Of the many medical ailments we are meant to watch out for today, the Zika Virus is the newest on our radar. It is dangerous to individuals and unborn babies, and is overrun in many regions of the world. People are at risk because they often do not know the signs, or even how the virus is transmitted. They are also unaware of how to get tested for the virus, this leaving them at risk to transmit the virus to others. It has allowed the virus to become a serious issue in many places around the work. The population needs to be aware of its signs, symptoms, how it is transmitted, tests, and how to avoid it in order to stem its transmission.
Signs and symptoms of the Zika Virus are limited, and sometimes after a person contracts the virus, it may not even show any signs and symptoms. In rare instances, it can cause the patient to become paralyzed. More commonly, however, it causes the individual to experience red eyes, joint pain, fever, and a rash, among other mild issues. Pregnant women who contract Zika Virus may experience birth defects in their newborn infants, as the Zika Virus has been known to cause abnormalities in some infants. Unfortunately, for those who contract the disease, there not a known treatment. Currently, there is also no known vaccine. That is why it is so important for communities and the world to understand the virus’ transmission. The Zika Virus is spread through sexual intercourse, as well as mosquito bites. All individuals should practice safe sex unless they are sure they do not have the Zika Virus, especially if they are living in an area that is highly populated with the virus. Moreover, it is important to understand the virus can only be passed from males to females. While safe sexual intercourse is important to stem transmission, primary transmission of the virus occurs by way of mosquito bites. The Genus Aedes mosquito transmits the virus as it travels from one individual to the next. After spreading the virus, signs of its presence may take anywhere from three to twelve days to manifest in the new host. The virus may also pass from mothers to their children, and in these instances, we see Microcephaly occur.
Patients who believe they have the virus can receive what is known as an RT-PCR test to confirm whether or not they have it. It is conclusive as early as the first week of illness, and can allow for a diagnosis. Serology assays can be given as well, and are effective as early as the second week the illness has been introduced into the host. PRNT tests are another option for individuals who believe they have the Zika Virus, and can confirm a diagnosis as early as the RT-PCR test, but are not as reliable, as a positive on a PRNT test does not always mean the patient is positive for the Zika Virus. All tests for the Zika virus have their pitfalls, unfortunately, and it is important to give one’s physician a full medical background before being tested. For example, with the RT-PCR, false positives are possible based on one’s hormones. While this test is safe for pregnant women, it can give a false positive, especially in these cases. Another example involves serology assays; the results of these tests can give a false positive based on previous infections the patient has had. Many physicians recommend an individual take two of the tests in order to avoid these issues.
When learning about the Zika Virus and how to avoid it, one should always be considerate of where it is spreading the quickest in order to avoid those areas. As there is no vaccination or treatment, once a person has it they have it for life and it is good sense to avoid the areas where it is thriving. Therefore, one should avoid the Caribbean. The Zika Virus is thriving in Saint Lucia, Cuba, Aruba, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, among other areas. It is also spreading across Central America, including but not limited to Belize and Panama. South America has been another target of the Virus, spreading swiftly across Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, and many other countries. These areas are perfect for the disease to spread because they allow fast, unmitigated breeding for mosquitos. It is practically impossible to prevent the spread of the virus in areas such as these. Other areas, such as countries in Africa and Asia have also experienced issues with the virus, and it has spread across the United States, as well. The first documented case of sexually transmitted Zika Virus occurred in the United States, allowing for many around the world to prepare themselves for how the virus was now being spread. Those living in these areas can use copious amounts of mosquito spray and other method to keep mosquitos at bay. Individuals living in these areas can also practice safe sex and be as careful as medically possible when receiving blood transfusions in an effort to prevent contracting the virus.
In sum, the Zika Virus spreads quickly when it takes root, and it occurs within the body, sometimes without any indication that it is there. The symptoms are often mild, and the host may not realize anything is wrong unless they are stricken with a more serious symptom, such as paralysis, or an infant with a birth defect. Tests exist that can diagnose the disease; some of which diagnose it within a week of contracting the illness. However, many of the tests give false positives based on things like hormones. It is important, then, for patients to share all information with their healthcare provider at the time of the test, and perhaps even take more than one test in order to confirm a diagnosis. Because there are no treatments or vaccinations for Zika, it is important to avoid the areas in which it spreads, and to also practice safe sex, as these are the most common forms of transmission that are known today. The medical community strives to help those who have been impacted by this virus, but there are many things the populations can do to protect itself.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016, June 7). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/zika/comm-resources/index.html
