Zika virus is transmitted through mosquito bites.  It has been linked to birth defects. There is no specific treatment  or vaccine against the virus. The  best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.

What are the symptoms of Zika virus ?

Symptoms are mild and usually last  from 2 to 7 days. They include :

• fever
• rash
• joint pain
• pink eye ( conjunctivitis)
• malaise
• headache
• muscle and joint pain

What is the effect of Zika virus on pregnancy and unborn child ?

It is important for pregnant women to avoid contact with the Zika virus. The virus has been linked to a brain disorder known as microcephaly. Babies with this condition have an abnormally small head resulting from developmental issues with  the brain. More research is however needed to further characterized the relationship between the virus and microcephaly. However until more is known, the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC  cautions  women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to avoid traveling to areas where the transmission of the virus is going on. If you do travel to these areas, you should talk to your health care provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.

The virus has been reported in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Americas. These include , Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Martin, Suriname, Samoa, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. It is  also advised that pregnant women who have travelled to these areas be screened for the virus.

How is  Zika virus diagnosed ?

The CDC has advised doctors to ask pregnant women about their travels and about symptoms such as sudden rash or fever.  If it is likely that the individual has been infected, she should be tested for the virus.

If an infection is confirmed, ultrasounds should be used to monitor the development of the fetus. The pregnant woman should be transferred to a  maternal-fetal medicine or infectious disease specialist with expertise in pregnancy management.

How can it be prevented ?

There are no vaccines for this virus.The best way to prevent infection with this virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Insect repellents  are known to be safe  during pregnancy. Pregnant women and nursing moms should use an  EPA-registered insect repellent and use it according to the product label.

You should also wear light-colored clothing that covers your body as much as possible. Using other physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows can also help.

It is essential to clean ,empty or cover containers such as  buckets and flower pots that can hold water and serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes.

How is it treated ?

There is no treatment   for the virus. If you think you may be infected with the virus, seek medical advice.It is recommended that infected individuals get enough rest, drinks lots of fluid and treat fever and pain with common medications.

NOTE

• Zika virus remains in the blood of an infected person for about a week.  The virus will not cause an infection  in a baby that is conceived after the virus clears the blood

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC  has confirmed that you can get Zika virus when you have unprotected sex with an infected man. You can also get it if you receive an infected blood through blood transfusion.

It is therefore important not to have sex with a partner who may be infected or who has travelled to Zika affected area. If  you do have sex, use a condom.

If you work in a hospital, doctors office, lab or health care setting, follow work safety precautions. Wear gloves, a gown, a mask and goggles. It is important not to come into direct contact with Zika infected fluid or lab samples. If you come into contact with these fluids, wash your hands well with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol in it. It is important to throw away  needles and other items that may have body fluids on them.