Aedes
mosquito which transmits dengue also transmits Zika virus. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention emphasized that there should be an increased
focus on prevention to control the spread of the Aedes mosquito that breeds in
clean water.
Symptoms
ü About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become ill
ü The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or
conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other common symptoms include muscle pain and
headache. The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) for Zika
virus disease is not known, but is likely to be a few days to a week. The
illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week.
ü Zika virus usually remains in the blood of an infected person
for a few days but it can be found longer in some people. Severe disease
requiring hospitalization is uncommon.
ü Deaths are rare.
Diagnosis
ü The symptoms of Zika are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, diseases
spread through the same mosquitoes that transmit Zika.
ü See your healthcare provider if you develop the symptoms
described above and have visited an area where Zika is found.
ü If you have recently traveled, tell your healthcare provider
when and where you traveled.
ü Your healthcare provider may order blood tests to look for Zika
or other similar viruses like dengue or chikungunya.
Treatment
ü No vaccine or medications are available to prevent or treat Zika
infections.
ü Treat the symptoms:
Ø Get plenty of rest
Ø Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
Ø Take medicine such as acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain
Ø Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen. Aspirin and NSAIDs should be
avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage
(bleeding). If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to
your healthcare provider before taking additional medication.
Ø If you have Zika, avoid mosquito bites for the first week of
your illness.
Ø During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in
the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through
mosquito bites.
Ø An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.
Source: CDC
