Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transferred or transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. This mosquito-transmitted disease is not like malaria and dengue but not more fatal than the latter one. Although Zika spreads through infected mosquitoes, you can also get Zika virus through sexual intercourse even if the partner does not have any symptoms.
Symptoms of Zika Virus
Most people how have been infected with the Zika virus exhibit various mild symptoms. Following are some of the symptoms of Zika Virus:
- Fever
- Rashes
- Headache
- Joint Pain and Locks
- Red Eyes
- Muscle Pain
- Anxiety
Why Zika is a Risk
For some people, Zika is a serious risk. During pregnancy, Zika can cause microcephaly, a birth defect of the brain. It can also cause other severe brain defects as well. Other problems like miscarriage, stillbirth, and other birth defects are also related to Zika Virus.
Treatment
There is no treatment discovered to date that can cure Zika. The only way to prevent the diseases spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Some of the ways to prevent Zika are:
Mosquito Repellent
Mosquito repellents are one of the most trusted ways to prevent Zika virus. Always use mosquito repellents registered with Environmental Protection Agency with the following active ingredients:
- DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol or 2-undeconone
It is also highly advisable to use the product according to the instructions given on the label. When used as directed, these insect repellents are proven safe and effective against Zika Virus. Even for pregnant and breastfeeding women, mosquito repellents are ideal. However, make sure you do not use mosquito or insect repellents on babies younger than 2 months old.
Avoid Going Out Unnecessarily
It is always advisable to stay at home if it is not necessary to go out if there is an outbreak in your area. You should stay at places with air conditioning and window screens to keep the mosquitoes out. Use measures to prevent the mosquitoes inside your homes. As a safety measure, cover the babies with mosquito nets. Adults should also use mosquito nets if proper air conditioning is not available or they want to sleep outdoors.
DISCLAIMER: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.