The Zika Virus is a hot topic in the news right now, and it’s important to know the real facts about this infection. This is not a new virus; it was actually discovered in 1947 in the Zika Forest in Uganda. Prior to 2014, people were infected with the virus in Africa and an outbreak occurred, but the virus didn’t really make headlines until it came over to the Americas. In May 2015, the first infection occurred in Brazil and the World Health Organization declared it a public emergency in February 2016.
The Zika virus is spread primarily through a bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The virus can also be spread during sex with an infected man and it can be transmitted from a mother to her fetus anytime during pregnancy. It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the virus may also be spread through blood transfusions. The virus can be found in a person’s blood, urine, saliva, spinal fluid, amniotic fluid, breast milk, and semen.
When a person has been infected, there will be symptoms; however, many people actually don’t experience them, and if they do, they’re mild symptoms. The most common symptoms include: low-grade fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, muscle pain, and headaches. These symptoms can last from a few days to a week. The virus usually only stays in an infected person’s blood for a week, and then it’s gone; however, it does linger longer in the body for some people. People very rarely die from this virus, and many never know they were even infected.
The big reason the virus has been so talked about lately is its effect on pregnant women. If a pregnant woman becomes infected with the virus, it can cause the fetus to have a birth defects, including: microcephaly, eye defects, hearing deficits, and impaired growth. Miscarriages also have a higher rate of occurring with the virus.
For a person to know they have the virus, his or her blood needs to be tested within a week of getting symptoms. Currently, there is no Zika virus vaccination. The best way to avoid getting the virus is to avoid getting bit by mosquitos as much as possible. Here’s a few mosquito-bite-prevention tips: wear long-sleeved shirts and pants; use EPA-registered insect repellants, use mosquito netting with babies, avoid standing water, and avoid traveling to areas with Zika transmissions if pregnant.
Along with there being no vaccine, there is also no medicine to treat Zika. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends for people who have Zika to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take acetaminophen to reduce fevers and pain.
If you think you may have the Zika virus or want to know more about this infection, it’s best to talk to a doctor right away. Dr. Kordowony at Internal Medicine, Lipids, and Wellness Practice of Fort Myers will be able to test your symptoms to see if you have Zika; he can also answer questions about the virus that you may have that are not answered above. To contact Dr. Kordowony, click here or call 239-362-3005, Ext. 200.
