What is Zika Virus?

Zika virus infection is caused by Zika virus that is spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika forest in Uganda.

In Brazil, Zika virus infection in pregnant women has been linked to a birth defect known as microcephaly. It is a birth defect that halts the brain development in foetal, leading to babies being born with significantly smaller heads. Until February 2016, nearly 4,000 babies in Brazil have been born with suspected microcephaly.

In Thailand, according to the Ministry of Public Health report between 1st January 2016 - 28th December 2018 found 600 cases of Zika infections and 150 cases were pregnant. The report also found 3 cases of significantly smaller heads infants that confirmed Congenital Zika syndrome.

Zika Virus Infection Symptoms

Most people infected with Zika virus didn’t know that they have the disease because the symptoms are quite mild compared to other vector borne diseases. The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) for Zika virus disease is unknown, but it is likely to range from a few days to a week.

• Flat or raised skin rash
• Fever and headache
• Joint pain and muscle aches
• Less frequently, gastrointestinal discomfort with vomiting and retro-orbital pain

Zika Virus Infection Treatment

Similarly to dengue, treatment for Zika virus infection consists of relieving pain, fever and any other symptoms shown on patients. Currently, there is no vaccine nor anti-viral treatment available.

Zika Virus Infographic

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