The Zika virus disease is a mosquito-borne viral infection spread mainly by the Aedes species of mosquito. This species is common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The Zika Virus was first identified in 1947 in the Zika forest in Uganda, from where the name of the virus came. Ever since, several outbreaks have been reported in the Southeastern and Southern Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Americas. Most people infected with Zika virus experience no symptoms at first. Some people may experience mild fever, rashes and muscle pain along with headaches, and conjunctivitis.
Causes
The Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito, most commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are active and generally bite during the daytime. These two kinds of mosquitoes are generally found in tropical climates and live at an elevation within 2,000 meters. As these type of mosquitoes are found in tropical and subtropical areas, it increases the risk of exposure to the Zika virus. The high-risk areas include several islands of the Pacific region, some countries in Central, South, and North America. The mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are also found in some parts of the country, including South Florida.
Possible factors
Apart from infected mosquito bites, there are a bunch of other possible factors that are responsible for the outbreak of this disease. One of the major cause of this Zika virus infection is the sexual transmission of this virus from one partner to another. This happens when the duo has an unprotected sex. The Zika virus can remain in the semen of the infected person for about 6 months. This Zika virus can also be found in the vaginal fluids of the infected woman which can also lead to the spread of this disease. A woman during their pregnancy time can also get infected by Zika virus and transfers this virus to her developing fetus. This transfer of the disease to her unborn child can result in pregnancy complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth, and even preterm birth.
Risk factors
There are several risk factors that make the outbreak of this disease easy and simple are as follows:
- Staying and traveling in areas where outbreaks of this Zika virus has been reported at some point in time.
- Several cases of sexually transmitted Zika virus have been reported because of unprotected sex.
- Blood transfer from a person infected with Zika virus is also one of the major issues of Zika virus outbreak.
- Organ donation from an infected person can infect the receiver with Zika infection thus successfully transferring the disease.
- Storing water in containers without covers or lids allow mosquitoes to lay their eggs in the water enhancing the population of the Aedes species of mosquitoes accounting for the quick spread of Zika virus through mosquito bites
Complications
Infected persons getting hospitalized or dying due to Zika virus infection is quite rare. Even though people recover from this infection without any complications, still reports of neurological complications have been reported such as Guillain-Barre syndrome. This syndrome actually affects the voluntary muscles making them weak and paralyzed.
This Zika virus infection can cause certain birth defects in newborn babies in cases where the mother is infected with the virus. One of the birth defects is known as Microcephaly in which the baby’s head is smaller than normal, thus obstructing the natural process of brain development.
