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Zika Virus is a viral infection primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, though it can also be transmitted sexually and congenitally (from mother to foetus). While symptoms are often mild or absent in adults, the virus is known for causing severe birth defects.
read more about zika virus ...The virus is transmitted mainly through the bite of the infected Aedes species mosquito. It can also be transmitted through sexual contact and from a pregnant woman to her foetus during gestation. Since the virus can remain in semen for months, prevention requires strict avoidance of mosquito bites in endemic areas and protected sexual contact.
Symptoms are often mild, flu-like, or completely absent (asymptomatic). If symptoms occur, they include fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Because symptoms are mild, the person may not realize they are infected, which facilitates the spread of the virus to others, especially pregnant women.
Zika Virus directly impacts vision. Adults often develop conjunctivitis (pink eye) during the active infection. In infants who contract the virus congenitally, severe ocular abnormalities are common, including damage to the retina, optic nerve atrophy, and blindness.
The most devastating impact is on the developing foetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects, most notably microcephaly (an abnormally small head and underdeveloped brain) and other serious neurological and developmental abnormalities.
Management for adults involves supportive care, including rest, hydration, and fever reduction. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral drug. Management for pregnant women and newborns focuses on intensive screening and developmental support.
The virus caused major outbreaks years ago, but while it is still present in many regions, the prevalence varies.
Yes, the virus remains a significant threat, particularly to pregnant women and infants, requiring ongoing public health monitoring.
No, the virus has not been found to transmit through breastfeeding.
Pregnant women who have traveled to Zika-endemic areas should be screened. Zika can cause "Congenital Zika Syndrome," which often includes severe eye abnormalities such as macular scarring and optic nerve atrophy in newborns.
CDC. Zika Virus (cdc.gov). 2024.
WHO. Zika Virus Fact Sheet (who.int). 2024.
AAO. Zika and the Eye (aao.org). 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Zika Virus (mayoclinic.org). 2024.