Zika virus infection (patient information)
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Zika virus infection |
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Zika virus infection On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yazan Daaboul, M.D.; Nate Michalak, B.A.; Serge Korjian M.D.
Overview
- Zika virus causees an illness in humans called Zika virus infection (also known as Zika fever).
- Zika viruses are usually transmitted to humans via a mosquito bite, from the Aedes mosquito. However, Zika virus may also be transmitted from humans to other humans by exchanging body fluids, which often occurs during sexual intercourse or after blood transfusion.
- Zika virus is very contagious.
- It was once thought that Zika virus infection is rare. New observations have shown that the initial estimates of the frequency of the disease has been underestimated in the past.
- Zika virus is thought to be responsible for serious complications in newborns characterized by incomplete brain development (microcephaly).
What are the symptoms of Zika virus infection?
You can become infected with Zika virus more than once and show symptoms many times. Symptoms usually occur within hours or a few days after you are infected with Zika virus. It usually takes a couple of days (usually up to a week) before you are better. Symptoms of Zika virus infection include:
- Fever
- Rash
- Loss of appetite
- Joint aches and/or muscle aches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Red eye (conjunctivitis) and eye pain
- Muscle aches
What causes Zika virus infection?
The virus that causes Zika virus infection is Zika virus (ZIKV). Zika virus is usually found in developing countries and is usually implicated outbreaks after people travel to endemic areas. Zika viruses are usually transmitted to humans via a mosquito bite, from the Aedes mosquito. However, Zika virus may also be transmitted from humans to other humans by exchanging body fluids, which often occurs during sexual intercourse or after blood transfusion.
Diagnosis
Your health care provider can use laboratory tests to diagnose Zika virus infection. The symptoms of Zika virus resemble symptoms of other viral infections, and making a diagnosis without laboratory testing is usually difficult.
Treatment options
The best treatments for Zika virus infection are to get plenty of bed rest and drink lots of fluids. If Zika virus infection is suspected, do not take medications without asking your doctor. Ask your doctor if you can take medications to drop your temperature or to alleviate your pain, some over-the-counter medications may be harmful for you. Since Zika virus infection is a viral infection, antibiotics have no effect. Antiviral drugs are not recommended for Zika virus infection since the majority of infected persons will improve without treatment.
Where to find medical care for Zika virus infection?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Zika virus infection
Prevention
There are no vaccines available to prevent Zika virus infection. Since the virus is usually transmitted through mosquitoes, effective measures to avoid mosquito bites include using insect repellent, installing mosquito bed nets and window/door screens, wearing long sleeves and long pants, and removing potential breeding sites from indoor/outdoor premises. Once infected, persons may be re-infected in the future.
Sources
- Courtesy: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases virus/Pages/Default.aspx
Template:WS Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Nate Michalak, B.A.