Zika Virus
Zika virus is a type of virus from the Flaviviridae family and the Flavivirus genus which is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
The mosquito species is the same one that transmits the dengue and chikungunya viruses. The viruses were first identified in monkeys in Uganda in 1947.
Meanwhile, the virus first infected humans in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania. This virus can cause mild illness to humans with the medical term Zika fever or Zika disease.
Zika Virus Symptoms
As many as 4 out of 5 people infected with this virus generally do not show any signs or symptoms.
When symptoms do appear, they usually appear two to 14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito.
Symptoms usually last about a week, and most people recover fully.
The most common characteristics of the Zika virus include:
- Mild fever.
- Rash .
- Joint pain, especially in the hands or feet.
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis).
In addition, there are other characteristics of the Zika virus such as:
- Muscle pain.
- Headache.
- Sore eyes.
- Fatigue or general feeling of discomfort.
- Stomach ache.
Causes of Zika Virus
The virus is most often spread to a person through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes that carry the virus include two species of Aedes mosquitoes, which are found worldwide.
When a mosquito bites a person who is infected with the virus, the virus infects the mosquito. Then, when the infected mosquito bites another person, the virus enters that person’s bloodstream and causes infection.
Zika Virus Risk Factors
There are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of being infected with this virus, including:
- Living or traveling to countries at risk. Especially tropical and subtropical areas as habitats of the Aedes mosquito.
- Having unprotected sex. Because this virus can spread from one person to another through sex.
- Pregnancy. Pregnant women who are infected with this virus can transmit the virus to the fetus in the womb.
- Blood transfusion or organ donation. In some cases, a person can also get the virus through a blood transfusion or organ donation that is infected with the virus.
How Zika Virus is Transmitted
Transmission of the virus occurs primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito of the genus Aedes, especially the Aedes aegypti mosquito, in tropical and subtropical areas.
Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking in the morning and late afternoon. This type of mosquito is also the one that transmits a number of other diseases.
Starting from dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever. In addition to mosquito bites, this virus can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, blood transfusions and blood products, and organ transplants.
Zika Virus Incubation Period
The incubation period of this viral disease is actually not clear. However, according to the official website of the Western Australian Government Department of Health, the incubation period of this virus usually occurs between 3 to 12 days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue fever.
For example, fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache.
These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days. However, most cases are asymptomatic.
Zika Virus Diagnosis
To diagnose this virus, the doctor will ask about the patient’s medical history and the symptoms they are experiencing.
The doctor will also ask whether the person has ever visited an infected country, and what activities he or she has done.
This is intended to help narrow down the diagnosis because the symptoms of this virus are quite similar to other diseases, such as dengue and Chikungunya.
The doctor will also perform blood and urine tests. Especially for pregnant women, the doctor may perform several further tests, such as:
- Pregnancy ultrasound to detect microcephaly or other brain abnormalities in the fetus.
- Amniocentesis involves inserting a hollow needle into the uterus to collect a sample of amniotic fluid. This procedure is performed by doctors to detect whether the Zika virus is present in the amniotic fluid or not.
Zika Virus Treatment
Until now there is no specific treatment to cure zika virus infection.
Treatment only focuses on reducing symptoms and preventing the spread of the disease from the sufferer.
Some of the treatment procedures for the Zika virus are:
1. Treatment of Clinical Symptoms
The good news is that Zika virus infections generally do not require special treatment.
However, treatment for clinical symptoms is the first thing that a person with the Zika virus must receive.
There are several ways doctors can do this. For example, giving fluids to prevent dehydration, using painkillers to relieve fever and headaches.
2. Do PSN 3M Plus
For those who have been infected with this virus, it is important to avoid mosquito bites while infected with this virus. Therefore, hospitals that treat patients with Zika virus infections also need to re-ensure that the hospital is free from mosquitoes.
This can be done by the hospital with PSN 3M Plus intensively. PSN 3M Plus is a preventive measure against mosquito breeding by:
- Drain or clean the water reservoir.
- Close water reservoirs tightly.
- Reusing or recycling used goods that have the potential to become breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever.
The reason is, this virus can survive for a long time in the blood of sufferers and can also spread to other people through mosquito bites.
3. Treatment for Pregnant Patients
In pregnant patients who are positive for this virus, doctors need to know information about gestational age, estimated delivery, and sexual partners. In addition, doctors also need to monitor fetal development through ultrasound examination to detect abnormalities.
Pregnant women must give birth in regional, provincial, or national referral hospitals. The goal is for doctors to further examine the baby to be born. For example, to find out the possibility of the baby being infected and born during viremia or having congenital abnormalities and/or neurological disorders.
Zika Virus Prevention
Preventing mosquito bites is one of the early prevention efforts that can help avoid Zika virus infection. In addition, some other preventive measures that you can take when you are in an area infected with the Zika virus are:
- Make sure the place you visit or stay in has air conditioning, or at least has door and window screens that can prevent mosquitoes from entering the room. If you don’t have air conditioning, use a mosquito net on your bed.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellent according to the instructions on the package. The instructions on the package will provide information about reapplication, permitted application areas, and application time and duration.
- Babies under two months old should not use this insect repellent. Therefore, parents must ensure that the baby’s clothes can protect them from mosquito bites. Also, pay attention to the body area of older children when applying insect repellent. Avoid injured or irritated areas of the body, the eye area, mouth, and hands.
- Choose care, washing, or use of clothing and equipment that contain permethrin. Learn the product information and usage instructions for protection. Avoid using this product on the skin.
- It is important to learn information about the area you are going to visit, such as health facilities and outdoor areas before your departure time, especially areas affected by the virus.
- Also get tested after returning from a country suspected of being infected with the Zika virus, especially pregnant women.
In addition, many people still think that this disease is the same as dengue fever. In fact, the two conditions are very different.
Zika Virus Complications
Without proper treatment, Zika virus infection can trigger serious complications. Such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis. Especially in adults and older children.
Not only that, infection with this virus during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities in developing fetuses and newborns.
fact, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can also cause pregnancy complications. Such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.