ZIKA

Zika disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. The symptoms lasts for a week. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. However, this virus can cause a lot of problems when being pregnant, and one of the most important one is the microcephaly, as well as other fetal brain defects. After being infected, you are supposed to be protected from that illness in your future.

Transmission

As it is said before, it is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and the mosquito is an Aedes genus. This mosquito also transmits other illnesses such as the dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. Researchers are looking for more options of transmission: blood transmission, sex...

This disease appeared in the Pacific for the first time, in 2007 and it was spread to the Americas and Africa then. Nowadays, 64 countries and territories are suffering the effects of this mosquito.

Complications

       National health authorities reported potential neurological and autoimmune complications of the disease. New researches has strengthened the connection between Zika infection and fetal malformations and neurological complications.

Treatment

Although there is not a medicine to prevent the Zika, there are many ways to deal with the symptoms:

1. Rest and drink a lot of fluids.
2. Reducing the pain with medicine such as paracetamol.
3. Don't take anti-inflammatory drugs until dengue can be ruled out
4. Talk with doctors if you are taking other medicines apart from the one prescribed for the Zika.

Irati Irizar and Izarra Arredondo