Zika Virus disease

Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in monkeys in Uganda in 1947. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

Symptoms

The incubation period for Zika Virus disease is about 3-12 days. Symptoms are similar to those of dengue; these are fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle pain, joint pain, weary, headache. Most of the symptoms are not severe. Exception is in pregnant women who may have complications during pregnancy or babies born with microcephaly.

Diagnosis

Virus definition from blood samples

Treatment

Most patients do not have severe symptoms so treatment is by plenty of rest, drink a lot of water and symptomatic treatment such as Paracetamol for relief of fever or pain. Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to prevent internal bleeding.

Personal precautions

1. Avoid mosquito bites
2. Eliminate or control mosquito breeding. Cover water tanks so that mosquitoes cannot get in.
3. If you have fever, rash, conjunctivitis or joint pain you may have Zika Virus disease so pregnant women, should be checked.

For those who are traveling to the country in which there is an outbreak of Zika Virus disease.

Avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved tops, long trousers and apply Insect repellant. If you are pregnant avoid travel to the countries that have an outbreak.

Source: Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health