1. ZIKA VIRUS –

Zika virus is a single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the family of FLAVIVIRIDAE virus. It was first found in the Rhesus monkey of UGANDA.

It is named ZIKA after the name of the forest in Uganda called ZIKA FOREST. 

2. TRANSMISSION –

1) MOSQUITO BITE – The most common mode of transmission is by mosquito bite and the mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are AEDES AEGYPTI and AEDES ALBOPICTUS.

These mosquitoes mostly bite in the morning time and also carry viruses for Dengue fever.

2) MOTHER TO FETUS – This virus can travel from the mother’s blood to the fetus in the uterus through the placenta.

3) SEXUAL TRANSMISSION by infected person’s semen. The virus can stay in the testes for about 160 days.

4) BLOOD TRANSFUSION from infected person’s blood.

5) BREASTFEEDING from an infected mother can lead to the transfer of the virus from the mother to the newborn.

3. PATHOLOGY-

After the mosquito carrying the virus bites the human the virus enters into the bloodstream and from there it can reach –

1) Brain through cerebrospinal fluid.

2) Urinary system and passed through urine

3) Reproductive system and can pass through semen.

4) Eyes which can be found through tears.

5) Placenta – It can cross from the infected mother to the fetus through the placenta and can cause severe neurological birth defects.

6) Breast milk- Through the bloodstream, it can reach the breast and from there it can get transferred through the milk.

4. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ZIKA VIRUS INFECTION –

After the mosquito bite it can take up to 2 weeks for the person to show signs and symptoms of infection.

1) Most cases are asymptomatic which means patients don’t show any signs and symptoms.

2) Symptomatic cases can complain of –

a) Low-grade fever which is acute in onset.

b) Rashes on the body mostly appear on the face, palm, and trunk. 

c) Pain in the small joints of the body like joints of fingers of hand and foot. 

d) Redness of eyes or conjunctivitis. 

e) Swelling in the middle layer of the ear which can lead to temporary hearing loss too.

g) Heart problems like myocarditis and pericarditis. 

h) Swelling of the face. 

5. CONGENITAL ZIKA VIRUS SYNDROME –

In some pregnant women, the Zika virus can cross the placenta. From there it can travel to the brain with the help of blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

After reaching the brain of the fetus it attacks the progenitor cells and these cells stop functioning properly which leads to a decrease in the formation of neurons.

Due to the decreased formation of neurons, the brain does not grow properly.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONGENITAL ZIKA VIRUS SYNDROME –

1) Microcephaly – Baby’s head will be very small as compared to any normal baby. 

2) Visual and hearing impairment can seen. 

3) Babies will not be able to move their hands and legs fully. 

4) Diagnosis is made by MRI which shows VENTRICULOMEGALY, which means the brain ventricles are enlarged due to increased deposition of cerebrospinal fluid.

MRI can also show increased calcification. 

6. DIAGNOSIS –

1) RTPCR test is done to detect the virus, especially in acute cases.

2) IgM antigen test for Zika virus is also done.

3) Urine examination.

4) CBC, WBC

7. TREATMENT –

Till now no definitive therapy or medicine has been developed for the treatment of Zika virus infection and it is managed on the basis of symptoms only.

In most cases, patients don’t get any serious symptoms and can be managed with available medicine.

Vaccines are also not available for Zika virus infection.

8. PREVENTION –

1) As the AEDES AEGYPTI mosquito bites during morning hours, it is important to take maximum preventive measures during morning and late evening time, especially in areas where Zika cases have been found before.

2) Always wear a full-sleeved shirt and pants when going out.

3) Apply mosquito repellent cream on the whole body.

4) Mosquito-repellent coils should be used inside homes.

5) Use mosquito net while sleeping.

6) People who travel to countries like Brazil, and Peru should be more careful as these countries have a higher number of cases.

7) Always keep your surrounding areas clean and don’t let water accumulate as it can serve as a breeding place for mosquitoes.

8) Avoid unprotected sex and multiple partners as the virus is known to be transmitted from semen.

9) Mothers infected with the Zika virus should not breastfeed their babies and consult the doctor to discuss the options for the baby.

10) Always consult the doctor if you get any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

SUMMARY-

Zika virus can affect anyone but babies and pregnant women should take extra precautions and pregnant ladies should be under continuous doctor supervision to prevent any harm to the fetus.

If anyone develops any of the above-mentioned symptoms then they should get fully checked with the doctor.

TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE.