Zika Virus, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

This book describes Zika Virus, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related Diseases
Zika virus disease is produced by a flavivirus virus transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day
It was later detected in humans in 1952 in Uganda
A total of 86 countries have documented evidence of mosquito-transmitted Zika infection since the 2015 olympics in Brazil.
Zika virus is mainly transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, primarily Aedes aegypti, in tropical and subtropical regions.
This is the same mosquito that produces dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.
Zika virus is also passed on from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and organ transplantation.
Symptoms are normally mild.
They are:
1. Fever,
2. Rash,
3. Conjunctivitis,
4. Muscle and joint pain,
5. Malaise or
6. Headache.
Symptoms normally persist for 2–7 days.
Most people with Zika virus infection do not form symptoms.
Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations, termed congenital Zika syndrome.
Infection with Zika virus is also linked with other complications of pregnancy such as preterm birth and miscarriage.
A higher risk of neurological complications is linked with Zika virus infection in adults and children, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis.
The incubation period of Zika virus disease is believed to be 3–14 days.
Diagnosis
Infection with Zika virus may be diagnosed based on symptoms of persons living in or visiting areas with Zika virus transmission and Aedes mosquito vectors.
A diagnosis of Zika virus infection can only be authenticated by laboratory tests of blood or other body fluids, such as urine or semen.
Complications
Zika virus infection during pregnancy is the cause for microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities in the developing fetus and newborn.
Zika infection in pregnancy also causes pregnancy complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth, and preterm birth.
Zika virus infection also activates Guillain-Barre syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis, particularly in adults and older children.
Treatment
There is no treatment present for Zika virus infection or its linked diseases.
People with symptoms such as fever, rash, or arthralgia should have:
1. Plenty of rest,
2. Drink fluids, and
3. Given pain and fever medicines.
If symptoms become worse, medical care and advice should be sought.
Pregnant women living in areas with Zika transmission or who have symptoms of Zika virus infection should seek medical treatment after laboratory testing and other medical care.
Prevention
Protection against mosquito bites during the day and early evening is the main measure to prevent Zika virus infection.
Special attention should be given to prevent mosquito bites among pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and young children.
Personal protection measures are wearing clothing that covers as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as window screens and closed doors and windows; and applying insect repellent to skin.
Young children and pregnant women should sleep under mosquito nets during the day or evening.
Aedes mosquitoes grow in small collections of water around homes, schools, and work sites.
It is important to eradicate these mosquito breeding sites such as: covering water storage containers, removing standing water in flower pots, and cleaning up trash and used tires.
No vaccine is produced for the prevention or treatment of Zika virus infection.
Zika virus can be passed on through sexual intercourse.
Pregnant women and partners should practice safer sex

TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Zika Virus
Chapter 2 Causes
Chapter 3 Symptoms
Chapter 4 Diagnosis
Chapter 5 Treatment
Chapter 6 Prognosis
Chapter 7 Chikungunya
Chapter 8 Dengue
Epilogue