Written by : Ali Mohraq Hadadi, Medical Lab Specialist Reviewed by : Zainab Mansour Alatiyyah, Clinical Pharmacist
It is one of the viruses, which is mainly transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes.
Reference : Zika virus. (n.d.). Retrieved June 29, 2017, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/
The bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito .
Sexual transmission .
Blood transfusion .
Reference : Zika virus. (n.d.). Retrieved June 29, 2017, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/
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In the areas with an active transmission of zika virus, zika can be passed through sexual intercourse, so women and men of reproductive age, should use contraceptive methods.
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While women during pregnancy should have safer sex by using condoms or abstain from sexual activity during the pregnancy.
Reference : Zika virus. (n.d.). Retrieved June 29, 2017, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/
Fever
Rash
Headache
Joint pain
Conjunctivitis
Muscle pain
Incubation period: few days
Reference : Zika virus. (n.d.). Retrieved June 29, 2017, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/
The primary diagnostic specimens for zika virus diagnosis are whole blood (also serum and plasma), urine, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, semen and saliva are.
Diagnostic tests : 1- NAT nucleic acid testing . 2- Serology ( IgM ) detection .
Reference : World Health Organization. 2016. “Laboratory Testing for Zika Virus Infection.” (March): 1–4.
Congenital brain abnormalities such as microcephaly and Guillain-barre syndrome in the fetuses of infected pregnant women.
Reference : Zika virus. (n.d.). Retrieved June 29, 2017, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/
It is a self-limited disease, so there are no specific treatment options.
Supportive care
Rest.
adequate fluid hydration.
Analgesics and Antipyretics.
Reference : Zika virus. (n.d.). Retrieved June 29, 2017, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/
Wear light colored clothes which cover most of your body
Close the windows and doors .
Sleep under mosquito net .
Use insect repellent containing of DEET, IR3535 or icardian.
No vaccine available for zika virus
Reference : Zika virus. (n.d.). Retrieved June 29, 2017, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/
1.
Zika virus. (n.d.). Retrieved June 29, 2017, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/fa ctsheets/zika/en/ ika/en/ )
2.
World Health Organization. 2016. “Laboratory Testing for Zika Virus Infection.” (March): 1–4.