Zika Virus

 

INTRODUCTION:

Zika virus is caused by a mosquito bite . Virus belong to member of family Flaviviridae transmitted primarly by mosquito Aedes.aegypti and Aedes.albopictus. these moquitoes bite during day time.

If Zika virus infects pregnant women it passes to fetus and can cause birth defects.

RISK FACTORS:

Travelling to cities which have Zika virus outbreaks

Having unprotected sex with people infected with Zika virus

Blood transfusion risk (mainly platelet transfusion) from infected person.

VECTORS:

Two important vectors involved for transmission of Zika virus are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

People infected with Zika virus usually don’t show symptoms or show mild symptoms like 

• Head ache

• Muscle pain

• Fever

• Malaise

• Skin rash

• Red eyes

Symptoms usually last for a week or less. 

DIAGNOSIS:

Based on recent travel history

Blood tests

Body fluid testing like urine, semen.

TREATMENT:

There is no specific treatment , usually symptoms are treated.

Good amount of rest and fluid intake is suggested.

COMPLICATIONS:

Zika virus infected pregnant women have a risk of miscarriage, preterm birth and have increased risk of serious birth defects of their babies (congenital Zika syndrome).

These congenital defects include:

• Microcephaly ( improper brain development)

• Joint problems like limited motion

• Brain damage

• Eye damage

In some cases adults with infected Zika virus may cause some brain or nervous system complications such as Gullian- Barre syndrome.

 TRANSMISSION OF ZIKA VIRUS:

PREVENTION : 

✓ Blood Zika virus transmission is prevented from protection against mosquito bites.

• Use mosquito repellents 

• Use mosquito nets 

• Wear clothing covering full body

• Keep clean environments in house and surroundings, remove any stagnant water. 

✓ Avoid travel to Zika hotspot areas.

✓ Screening for Zika virus before blood donation

✓ Avoid having unprotected sexual contact.

REFERENCES:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zika-virus

https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/transmission-methods.html

https://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/zika-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353639

Sirisha Yathirajula

Doctor of pharmacy

Lydia college of pharmacy

ClinoSol Student ID : 114/0621