Zika Virus

• Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites known as Aedes aegypti. It is the same mosquitoes that transmit dengue and chikungunya. Aedes aegypti mosquito spread zika virus bite mostly during the daytime. So the symptom of the fever is same with dengue and chikungunya such as fever, rash, joint pain, headache and conjunctivitis that begins 2-7 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

• The Zika virus was first identified in monkeys in Uganda in 1947 and The first human case was detected in Nigeria in 1954.

• In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil.

• The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects and poor pregnancy outcomes. It is also linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains though it is not been confirmed.

• One in five people infected with Zika virus become ill. Till now no vaccine or medications are available to prevent or treat Zika virus infections.

• In January 2016, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued travel guidance on affected countries, including the use of enhanced precautions, and guidelines for pregnant women including considering postponing travel.

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