ZIKA Virus

Causes : Zika virus disease is caused by infection with the Zika virus.

Zika virus disease is primarily spread though the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that transmit Zika virusare the same as those that spread the chikungunya  and dengue  viruses.

The virus can also be spread by:

sexual transmission through semen from infected men

an infected, pregnant woman to her developing baby

cell, blood and tissue donations from infected donors

Symptomes : The main symptoms of Zika virus disease include:

a flat, red rash on the skin covered with small bumps

the rash often starts on the face and spreads to the body

red eyes

general symptoms, such as:

weakness

headaches

lack of energy

short-term muscle or joint pain

possible joint swelling, mainly in the smaller joints of the hands and feet

low-grade fever (38.5°C or lower)

Symptoms of Zika virus disease can be similar to other mosquito-transmitted viruses, such as dengue  and chikungunya . However, Zika virus disease symptoms are typically milder. Only 1 in 4 people infected with Zika virus are believed to develop symptoms.

It usually takes between 3 to 12 days for symptoms to appear after infection. The disease symptoms are usually mild and last for 2 to 7 days.

Preverntion : Currently, there is no vaccine for Zika virus disease.

However, you can reduce your risk of getting Zika virus by protecting yourself from mosquitos .

If you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should avoid travel to countries with ongoing  Zika virus outbrakes . If travel can't be avoided or postponed, strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed. This is especially important because of the risk to unborn babies.

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel.