Zika Virus: What You Need to Know
by, Dr. Arathi Rao, BCH Infectious Disease Physician
Zika virus infection is not new. This virus was first discovered in 1947 in Zika Forest of Uganda, thus named Zika virus. Human cases first appearing in 1952 in Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania. Sporadic outbreaks have occurred since then, in Africa and Southeast Asia, with one of the largest outbreaks occurring on the Pacific Island of Yap in 2007. The virus then spread to French Polynesia, Easter Island, Cook Island, and New Caledonia in 2013/2014.
In 2015, the virus spread to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. In 2016 it spread to involve areas of Mexico, U.S. territories (American Samoa, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands), as well as parts of South Florida and Texas. Most recently, new cases have been diagnosed in Southeast Asia.
Important notice: Pregnant women should avoid all non-essential travel to areas with Zika.
Map of Areas with Zika Risk
(Image Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Transmission
- Zika virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquito which tend to bite in the daytime
- Sexual transmission (male to partner; female to partner)
- Via blood transfusion, lab exposure, organ/tissue transplantation
- Maternal/fetal: intrauterine/perinatal
Symptoms
- Most patients are asymptomatic. However, those with symptoms may have: Fever, Headaches, Muscle aches, Joint pains, rash, and red eyes. Symptoms usually last around 4-7 days.
Complications
- Microcephaly: condition where infants head is significantly smaller than normal
Fetal loss
- Guillain Barre Syndrome -- an autoimmune neurological complication
Prevention
- Use mosquito repellents and avoid mosquito bites for three weeks upon return
- Avoid standing/activities near stagnant water
Abstinence or male condom use is recommended after travel to risk area:
- If Asymptomatic: 6 months after return
- If Symptomatic: 6 months from lab-confirmed infection
- For duration of pregnancy if female partner pregnant
- Pending test results
There is no vaccine available at this time.
Questions about conception: Please speak to your health care provider or visit us at the Beacon Center for Infectious Diseases.