Zika virus Symptoms
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus spreading quickly through the Americas. It is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes mosquito and is not contagious from person to person. There is currently no vaccine nor treatment available for the Zika virus disease.
Most of cases of Zika virus infection produce no symptoms. Only one in five cases show symptoms of Zika virus and will be mild. The symptoms are mild and usually last from few days to a week. Hospitalization in Zika cases are rare. Zika symptoms are similar to those of dengue and Chikungunya, diseases spread through the same mosquitoes.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are:
- mild fever
- rash
- joint pain
- conjunctivitis (red sore eyes)
- headache
Zika virus is believed to cause microcephaly in unborn infants, though much research is required to confirm it scientifically. Pregnant women infected with Zika virus will pass the virus to the fetus which causes microcephaly in unborn children.
Zika virus is also believed to cause a rare neurological condition called Guillain–Barré syndrome. The condition could cause temporary paralysis.
There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika virus. Patients are advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
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