Zika virus concern grows in the monsoon season with the increase in the mosquito population. It is majorly caused by infected Aedes mosquitoes, however, unprotected intercourse with an infected person or blood transfusion may transmit the virus from one person to another. It mostly affects growing foetuses in pregnant women which may lead to birth complications. Here are some tips on protecting yourself and your family from the infection.
How does the Zika virus transmit?
Zika virus is fundamentally transmitted by an infected Aedes mosquito. Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, are the primary carriers of the Zika virus. These mosquitoes become infected by feeding on someone who already has the ZIKV in their blood. Once infected, they can transmit the virus to other people. This cycle continues, spreading the virus throughout a population.
Although mosquito bite is the primary cause of Zika virus transmission, here are some underlying secondary causes of Zika virus transmission:
Sexual Transmission: It is a cause for the transmission of the Zika virus. It can pass through an infected person to their partner(s) through vaginal, anal or oral intercourse.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women who are infected can transmit the virus to their developing fetus which might cause serious birth defects in the baby.
Organ Transplant/Blood Transfusion: In rare cases, ZIKV can spread through blood transfusions or organ transplants.
Forest cycle (enzootic or sylvatic cycle)
Zika virus has two main life cycles. This is the natural cycle where the virus lives. Certain wild Aedes mosquitoes (like A. africanus) carry the virus. These mosquitoes bite monkeys and apes, spreading the virus between primates. Humans aren’t usually part of this cycle but they can get infected if bitten by an infected mosquito in a forest.
Urban cycle (epidemic cycle)
This is where outbreaks happen. The virus gets introduced to a new area, often by an infected traveler. Aedes aegypti and albopictus mosquitoes, which live in and near urban areas, become infected by biting an infected person. These infected mosquitoes then spread the virus to other people they bite, causing an outbreak.
What happens if you get the Zika virus?
There’s a good chance that you won’t even know that you are infected with ZIKV. Infected people mostly don’t show any symptoms at all. You might experience mild symptoms within 3-14 days, like fever, rash, headache, malaise, joint & muscle pain, and pink eye (conjunctivitis) that usually lasts 2-7 days. Therefore, a medical diagnosis is required.
However, there is a serious concern about Zika infection among pregnant women. Zika virus can pass from a pregnant woman to her developing foetus and cause serious birth defects, particularly microcephaly, a condition where the baby’s head is much smaller than expected. Other complications include limb contractures, high muscle tone, eye abnormalities & hearing loss.
How to prevent Zika virus while pregnant?
It is very important to prevent ZIKV infection during pregnancy as it may lead to complications in the growing foetus. Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, General Physician, Family Medicine Physician & Diabetologist, MediBhai, Navi Mumbai, suggests these key steps to prevent Zika virus infection during pregnancy:
Reduce Mosquito Bites: Use EPA-approved insect repellents, cover your body with full-sleeved clothes whenever you go out, and use mosquito nets.
Sexual Transmission Prevention: If your partner has traveled to an area with Zika or has symptoms, consistently and correctly use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex to prevent sexual transmission. Consider abstaining from sex during pregnancy if your partner is at high risk of carrying Zika. Discuss this option with your doctor.
Travel Considerations: If you’re pregnant, it’s best to avoid travel to areas with ongoing Zika transmission. Check with a reliable source before traveling anywhere. If travel is necessary, talk to your doctor about the risks and precautions.
Prenatal Care: Early and regular prenatal care allows your doctor to monitor your pregnancy and for any signs of the ZIKV infection.
Additional Tips: Keep updated on the latest Zika information from reliable sources. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have regarding Zika virus and pregnancy.
Is Zika virus curable?
Unfortunately, there is no treatment available for the Zika virus. If you get infected, focus on managing symptoms to make yourself feel better. Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician, Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi says, “There’s no cure for Zika, but you can manage the mild symptoms like fever, rash, and joint pain with rest, taking lots of fluids, and treating them with antipyretics and analgesics as directed by your doctor.”
Prevention is key
Subsequently, there’s no specific treatment, so preventing Zika infection is crucial. Here are some effective ways to avoid getting Zika:
Avoid mosquito bites: This is the most important preventive measure.
- Use insect repellent with DEET (avoid in pregnant and breastfeeding women unless approved by a doctor).
- Wear long sleeves and pants outdoors, especially during peak mosquito-biting times (dawn and dusk).
- Use mosquito nets while sleeping in areas with Zika risk.
Safe sex practices: ZIKV can be transmitted through sexual contact. Consider using condoms or abstaining from sex if your partner might be infected.
Pregnancy precautions: If you’re trying to conceive or pregnant, talk to your doctor about Zika risks. They may recommend delaying pregnancy or taking extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Zika virus in itself is not dangerous, however, it significantly affects the growing foetus in pregnant women. Therefore, it is necessary to take appropriate prenatal care and visit your doctor regularly for any underlying signs of the infection.
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