Zika virus is a single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, genus Flavivirus
What started the Zika virus?
When
a mosquito bites
a person who is already infected with the Zika virus, the virus infects the mosquito. Then, when the infected mosquito bites another person, the virus enters that person’s bloodstream and causes an infection. During pregnancy, the Zika virus can also spread from a mother to the fetus.
What are the major causes of Zika virus?
- Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These mosquitoes bite during the day and night.
- Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.
- There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
How do mosquitoes get the Zika virus?
A mosquito gets infected with a virus
when it bites an infected person during the period of time
when the virus can be found in the person’s blood, typically only through the first week of infection. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.
Who is at risk for Zika virus?
A: CDC’s travel guidance for areas with risk of Zika applies to
infants and children
, as well as adults. CDC recommends that those who travel to areas with risk of Zika protect themselves from mosquito bites during travel and for 3 weeks after returning from travel.
Was the Zika virus a pandemic?
Epidemic and pandemic are terms primarily distinguished in terms of spread of contagious, infectious, or viral illness. An epidemic is limited to one specific region while a pandemic has a worldwide spread. Zika virus disease is
an epidemic
which was reported in Brazil in Feb., 2016.
Where did Ebola come from?
1. History of the disease. Ebola virus disease ( EVD ) is a severe disease caused by Ebola virus, a member of the filovirus family, which occurs in humans and other primates. The disease emerged in 1976 in
almost simultaneous outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ) and Sudan (now South Sudan)
.
How long does Zika virus stay in body?
Zika virus (ZIKV) has been identified in several body fluids of infected individuals. In most cases, it remained detected in blood from
few days to 1 week after the onset of symptoms
, and can persist longer in urine and in semen.
Where is the Zika virus most commonly found?
Zika outbreaks have been reported in the
Pacific region, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, and parts of south and southeast Asia
. If you plan to travel to an affected area, seek travel health advice before your trip.
Is there a cure for Zika?
There is no specific medicine or vaccine
for Zika virus. Treat the symptoms. Get plenty of rest.
Is Zika still a threat 2019?
Zika continues to be a problem in many
parts of the world. There is no vaccine to prevent infection. Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae.
Do all mosquitoes carry Zika?
Zika virus is
spread by the bite of a mosquito that is carrying the virus
. Not all types of mosquito can spread it. Some types of Aedes mosquito can spread Zika virus, particularly Aedes aegypti but also possibly Aedes albopictus. Both are daytime biting mosquitoes, with increased activity around sunrise and sunset.
How do you protect yourself from Zika?
The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, should take steps to prevent mosquito bites. When used as directed,
EPA-registered insect repellents
are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Does Zika still exist 2020?
In 2020,
there have been no confirmed Zika virus disease cases reported from U.S. territories
. Additionally, a large number of suspect Zika cases from the territories have been tested using molecular testing and none have been positive.
Is Zika easily diagnosed?
Diagnosis. Infection with Zika virus may be suspected based on symptoms of persons living in or visiting areas with Zika virus transmission and/or Aedes mosquito vectors. A diagnosis of Zika virus infection
can only be confirmed by laboratory tests of blood or other body fluids
, such as urine or semen.
Where can the Zika virus be found in the human body?
Zika virus can also be transmitted through sex and has been detected in semen, blood, urine, amniotic fluids, saliva as well as body fluids found in
the brain and spinal cord
.
