Zika Virus

 

Introduction

Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

• 1) Genre: Flavivirus
• 2) Vector: Aedes mosquitoes (which usually bite during the morning and late afternoon/evening hours)
• 3) Reservoir: Unknown

Signs and Symptoms

The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.

Treatment

Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. There is currently no vaccine available.

Countries are infected with the Virus Zika
Brasil, Barbados, Kolombia, Ekuador, El Salvador, Guyana Perancis, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Meksiko, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Riko, Saint Martin, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Sources :a)http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/