Zika Virus: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

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                                           What is the Zika virus?


The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main vector of the Zika virus, a flavivirus spread by mosquitoes. Since its 1947 discovery in Uganda, it has been linked to multiple epidemics worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas.
Zika has drawn attention because it has been linked to neurological disorders like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and birth abnormalities, especially microcephaly in newborns.



Background and History of Zika Virus

  1. In 1947: It was found in a rhesus monkey in Uganda's Zika woodland.
  2. 1952: Tanzania and Uganda reported the first human cases.
  3. 2007: Yap, a Pacific island, reported a significant outbreak.
  4. Brazil saw a significant outbreak in 2015–2016 that was connected to an increase in microcephaly.
  5. Sporadic outbreaks throughout India, South America, and Southeast Asia from 2021 to the present.
  6. The virus continues to pose a threat to worldwide public health, particularly in light of growing mosquito populations brought on by urbanisation and climate change.

Reasons and Spread

  1. Principal Factor
  2. The Zika virus is contracted through mosquito bites and is caused by an infection with the Zika flavivirus.

Modes of Transmission

Mosquito Bites

The primary vector is Aedes aegypti.
Most active in the morning and late afternoon

Mother to Child (Transmission Vertically)

can infect the foetus after crossing the placenta.

Sexual Transmission

even after the symptoms go away, spread via semen

Transfusions of Blood

Rare, but achievable with contaminated blood products

Transplanting organs

Extremely uncommon, although there is a chance

Symptoms of the Zika virus

The majority of Zika infections do not cause any symptoms. When they occur, the symptoms typically last two to seven days and are modest.

Typical Symptoms:

  1.  Low-grade fever
  2. Rashes on the skin
  3. Red eyes, or conjunctivitis
  4. Joint and muscle discomfort
  5. A headache
  6. Weariness
  7. Anguish behind the eyes

Period of Incubation:

 3–14 days following exposure
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) complications

Neurological conditions

Infants with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS)

Zika and Pregnancy Risks:

 Reasons for Concern for Expectant Mothers
A pregnant woman's foetus may contract the Zika virus, which could result in serious birth defects like:

  1. Microcephaly (problems with the development of the small head and brain)
  2. Damage to the brain
  3. Defects in the eyes
  4. Deafness
  5. slowing of growth

WHO Suggestions

Travel to Zika-endemic areas should be avoided by expectant mothers.
It is very recommended to use barrier protection and mosquito repellents during intercourse.

Zika virus diagnosis

Laboratory testing and clinical evaluation are required for Zika virus diagnosis.

Clinical Assessment Considering Recent Travel History and Symptoms

  1. Distinguishing between COVID-19, dengue, and chikungunya
  2. Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests are used in laboratories.
  3. finds Zika RNA in saliva, urine, or blood.

Tests for serology (IgM antibodies)

  1. Finds antibodies that have been produced in reaction to the infection.
  2. PRNT, or Plaque Reduction Neutralisation Test used in complicated instances for confirmation

Treatment and Management

  1. The Zika virus does not currently have a specific antiviral treatment.
  2. Supportive Care Drink lots of water
  3. Rest
  4. For pain and fever, use paracetamol.
  5. Until dengue is ruled out, stay away from NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen).

Being admitted to the hospital

uncommon, unless issues like GBS arise.

Pregnant Women's Management

  1. Frequent prenatal care
  2. Foetal abnormalities can be found with ultrasound scans.
  3. Referral to a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine

Zika Virus Prevention Advice

Avoid of mosquito bites

Dress in long sleeves.

Apply insect repellant (based on DEET).
Put in netting and window screens.
Make use of vaporisers and mosquito coils.

Stop Sexual Transmission

Avoid having intercourse during and after an infection, or use condoms.
Before attempting to conceive, men should wait at least three months after infection.
Women should hold off for two months.

Travel Safety Measures

Remain informed about Zika epidemics.
Travelling to impacted areas should be avoided by expectant mothers.

 Environmental Actions

Remove any standing water from containers, tires, and pots.
Programs for community fogging and vector control

Zika Virus in India and Recent Outbreaks

Zika outbreaks have occurred sporadically in India, especially in:

Madhya Pradesh in 2018
Rajasthan (outbreak in Jaipur, 2018)
Kerala in 2021
Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra (2023–2024)

Causes of the Spread in India

A tropical environment
Unchecked mosquito reproduction
Poorly sanitary urban slums

Present Circumstances (2025)

In certain states, isolated incidences are still occurring.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is carrying out mosquito control and surveillance activities.

Global Spread and Public Health Reaction

South American Countries Affected: Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil
Central America: Honduras and El Salvador
Asia: India, Vietnam, and Thailand
Africa: Nigeria and Angola
Pacific Islands: Fiji, Micronesia

CDC and WHO Measures

Zika is classified as a disease that requires notification.
Travel warnings in effect
Improvements to surveillance systems
Clinical studies are being conducted as part of the ongoing vaccine development process.

Climate Change and the Zika Virus

Aedes mosquito habitat is growing due to climate change, particularly in:

Asiatic and African locations that are warmer
Cities that are urbanised and have standing water
Longer breeding seasons brought driven by increased humidity and rainfall increase the likelihood of widespread breakouts in the upcoming years.

In conclusion

The Zika virus still poses a risk to world health, particularly to expectant mothers and their unborn children. The range of Aedes mosquitoes is growing due to urbanisation and climate change, which raises the possibility of epidemics.

The key to containing Zika is prevention. Although there is currently no known cure or vaccine, transmission can be considerably decreased by raising awareness, controlling mosquitoes, and adopting safe behaviours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is it possible to contract Zika more than once?

Answer: Probably not. It is thought that infection confers immunity for life.

Q2. Is there a vaccination against Zika?

No, not just yet. Despite being in clinical studies, a number of potential vaccinations have not yet received public approval.

Q3. What is the duration of the Zika virus's presence in the body?

The virus can persist in semen for months, although it usually only lasts 1-2 weeks in the blood.

Q4. What distinguishes Zika from chikungunya and dengue?

Answer: Zika is notorious for its impact on pregnancy and neurological disorders, although all are spread by Aedes mosquitoes.

Q5. If I have Zika, can I still breastfeed?

Yes, in response. Breastfeeding is advised by the WHO because the advantages exceed any potential risk of transfer.

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