What Is Zika Virus?

All You Need To Know About The Zika Virus

The Zika virus, commonly referred to as Zika, is a disease found originally in Asia and Equatorial Africa. It is transmitted to humans primarily via infected mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes mosquito located in tropical regions. Once the human is infected due to being bitten by one of these insects, the virus can be further transmitted through biting between humans. An increasingly apparent virus with no known cure as yet, it is vital that individuals have knowledge of what the Zika virus is and how to prevent a spread. This article will provide this information.

When Was The Virus Discovered?

Zika was first discovered in 1947 by scientists studying Yellow Fever in the Ugandan Forest. While examining the behavior of rhesus monkeys, the scientists noted a virus within several of the unwell subjects. The monkeys began to show a fever, but the cause was unrelated to any known viruses at the time. Move ahead to 1958, the same virus was discovered as being spread by the Aedes mosquito when biting the animal or human.

How Is The Virus Transmitted?

As has been mentioned above, the Zika virus is commonly transmitted through the bite of the Aedes mosquito. The mosquito first bites an infected individual and thereafter will continue to spread the virus by biting future victims. Despite the primary mode of transmission being a mosquito bite, the Zika virus can also be transmitted sexually.

What Are The Symptoms Of The Virus?

The primary symptoms of the Zika virus are mild and in many cases the individual is unaware of his or her infection. Symptoms of the virus can include fever, headaches, rashes, and "pink eye". Despite Zika being a mild infection, it should be mentioned that it does present a peculiar connection to microcephaly. Microcephaly is a neurological disorder seen in newborns and can be identified by the appearance of an abnormally small head. This condition can lead to severe developmental difficulties and in the more extreme cases, death. It is seen that sufferers of microcephaly are born to females infected with the Zika virus.

What Efforts Are Being Taken To Cure The Virus?

The Zika virus belongs to the same genus as Yellow Fever, the West Nile virus, and Dengue; however, as with these viruses Zika does not have a vaccine. To address this issue, several efforts are being taken to pursue research into the Zika virus and locate a cure. Unfortunately, until some finding is made and medication developed, the only method to treat the virus is through prevention of infection.

What Prevention Measures Can Be Used?

Considering no treatment currently exists for the Zika virus, it is essential that one protect oneself using appropriate preventative measures. One option is to avoid mosquito bites through the use of mosquito nets and pesticides. If you are able to avoid travelling to areas with active infestation, it would be recommended to do so. Finally, if you have already been infected with the Zika virus you should keep people around you safe using the different measures.