Zika is a virus that is transmitted by a certain species of mosquito, the Aedes. It originates from climates that are more tropical in nature, but in recent months there have been reports of people infected with Zika in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have been working to learn more about the disease and exactly what threats it poses to humans. There is no vaccine and no treatment except to ease the symptoms. The more serious threat seems to be to pregnant women and their unborn children.
Symptoms of Zika Virus
People with Zika virus who present symptoms usually experience the for around two to seven days. Symptoms of Zika include:
- Low grade fever
- Conjunctivitis
- Fatigue
- Skin rashes
- Headache
- Joint pain
Doctors aren’t certain what the exact incubation period is for Zika, but they estimate it to be several days. When the symptoms do present, they are usually mild.
How Zika Virus is Transmitted
Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitos, but researchers are not discovering that the virus can be transmitted in other ways. Animals that are carrying the virus and bite a human can transmit the virus to that human. Having unprotected sex has also recently been found as a way the virus is transmitted, according to the WHO.
How the Zika Virus is diagnosed
While a doctor may suspect a patient is infected with Zika after reviewing any travel history or residence in areas where the virus has been identified, a true diagnosis cannot be obtained without laboratory testing. Blood, urine, or saliva is tested for the presence of Zika virus RNA. From there a diagnosis is made and it is reported to the CDC for research, documentation, and statistical purposes.
The dangers of Zika Virus and Pregnancy
In pregnant women, the Zika Virus can cause significant brain damage to the unborn child. This brain damage cannot be detected by ultrasound and other prenatal testing. Recent studies show that there is nothing to indicate a birth defect such as an irregular head size or other typical tells that doctors look for when testing pregnant women. It isn’t until the later stages of the pregnancy that indications of brain damage caused Zika begin to show.
What is being done to fight the Zika Virus
The CDC is continually conducting research on Zika and working to educate the public as well as health care providers on the latest findings regarding the disease. In March, 2016, the CDC created a United States Zika Pregnancy Registry to better manage this growing threat in the U.S. and protect pregnant women and their unborn children. There are also regular CDC publications on Zika to keep the information flowing and help protect the public.
Don’t take chances with your family. Spring and summer mean increased insect activity, including mosquitoes. Call Preventative Pest Control and let us help you protect your family with regular mosquito control treatments. We will inspect your property, advise you of areas that attract mosquitoes, and use a special product that kills existing mosquitoes and repels others that try to come onto your property. We’re here to help.