What is Zika Virus (ZIKV)?
The zika virus, a flavivirus spread by mosquitoes, was initially discovered in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys. Later, in 1952, it was discovered in people in the United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda.
People are typically exposed to the zika virus through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which primarily bite during the day and early at night.
Zika virus outbreaks have been reported in Asia, the Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and the African continent. Rare sporadic human infections were discovered in Africa and Asia during the 1960s and 1980s; these infections were often followed by a minor sickness.
Zika Virus Tips: Before you Travel
- Traveling to locations where there are Zika outbreaks is not advised if you are pregnant.
- Consult your doctor or another healthcare professional about your vacation plans if you or your partner is attempting to get pregnant.
- Eliminate mosquito bites before, during, and after your trip. Avoid having intercourse the rest of the pregnancy or use condoms.
After your Travel
- Travelers returning where there is a danger of contracting Zika should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites for three weeks even if they do not feel ill in order to prevent spreading the virus to mosquitoes that could infect other people.
- Inform your doctor about your journey if you experience Zika symptoms after visiting a region where the virus is a danger.
- Even if you don’t feel ill, if you’ve recently travelled to a region where there is a chance of contracting Zika, speak with your doctor.
- Consult your doctor when you get home if you’re considering attempting to get pregnant after visiting a region where Zika is a danger. Your doctor can provide you with particular advice for expecting couples.
How to be safe when you are travelling to countries who has risk of ZIKA virus transmission?
Every traveler should take the necessary precautions to lower their chance of being bitten by mosquitoes during the day and early evening hours and to lower their risk of contracting the Zika virus through sexual contact.
Travelers are encouraged to: in order to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes that are active during the day and early evening:
- wear clothing that covers as much of the body as possible, ideally in light colors;
- Use DEET (diethyltoluamide), IR 3535 ((3- [N-butyl-N-acetyl], aminopropionic acid ethyl-ester), or KBR 3023 insect repellents to prevent bites (also called Icaridin or Picaridin).
- Repellents must be used strictly in accordance with the instructions on the label and may be applied to exposed skin or clothing. When applying repellents and sunscreen together, the sunscreen should be applied first and then the repellent;
- keep doors and windows closed and utilise physical barriers like standard or mesh screens or insecticide-treated netting materials as doors and windows;
- During the day, when Aedes mosquitoes are most active, sleep with a mosquito net.
- Men and women should engage in safer sexual practises, such as frequent use of condoms or abstinence, to reduce their risk of contracting the Zika virus through sexual contact.
Symptoms and Treatment
- It is estimated that the Zika virus sickness takes 3 to 14 days to incubate (from exposure to symptoms). The majority of Zika virus patients do not exhibit any symptoms.
- Mild symptoms, including as fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint discomfort, malaise, and headaches, typically continue for two to seven days.
- Microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities in the growing foetus and infant are caused by zika virus infection during pregnancy. Pregnancy problems include foetal loss, stillbirth, and preterm birth are also caused by zika infection.
- Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis can also be brought on by the zika virus, especially in adults and older children.
Treatment
- Infection with the Zika virus or the disorders it causes have no known cure.
Is there any vaccination for Zika Virus before travel?
In many regions of the world, Zika is still a problem. Travelers should take precautions to avoid contracting Zika because there is now no vaccine or treatment for the disease. When they get back home, they should likewise take precautions to avoid spreading it.
Which countries have the risk of transmission of Zika?
- You can check here