Zika Virus Disease.

What is Zika virus disease (Zika)?

Zika is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.

What are the symptoms of Zika?

Many people might not realize they have been infected.    Symptoms typically begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes).

How is Zika transmitted?

Zika is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes that spread Chikungunya and dengue.

Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.

Who is at risk of being infected?

Anyone who is living in or traveling to an area where Zika virus is found like South America.

It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth.

What can people do to prevent becoming infected with Zika?

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika.

The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to avoid being bitten. Here’s how:

·         Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

·         Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.

·         Use insect repellents.

·         If you have a baby or child:

o    Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age.

o    Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or

o    Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.

o    Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin.

·         Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

·         Pregnancy mother avoid travel to affected countries like South America

What should I do if I have Zika?

There is no vaccine or specific medicine to treat Zika virus infections. 

Treat the symptoms:

• Get plenty of rest

·         Drink fluids to prevent dehydration

·         Take medicine such as Paracetamol to reduce fever and pain