Zika virus may not be as benign as previously thought

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported that as of Epidemiological week 2 of 2016 (January 16, 2016), 17 countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region had documented cases of Zika virus infection.{{more}}

Zika fever results from the Aedes mosquito-borne viral disease caused by Zika virus and presents as a mild fever, rash, and headaches. However, recent increases in microcephaly among infants born to women infected with Zika virus have raised concerns that the infection may not be as benign as previously thought.

In 2014, Zika virus was documented in Chile – the first incidence of the infection in Latin America. As of the most recent data, the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that have reports of Zika virus infections now include Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname, El Salvador, Paraguay, Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Panama.

Zika virus infection, like Chikungunya virus, is one of the emerging infectious diseases that we have seen in the region that is transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito. The mosquito-transmitted virus is generally considered to cause a troublesome, but transient, illness that resembles dengue fever or Chikungunya.

Physicians in Brazil noted that Zika virus infections of pregnant women are associated with central nervous system problems in the developing fetus, specifically microcephaly.

According to the Pan American Health Association, the incidence of microcephaly in Brazil has increased 20-fold between 2014 and 2015. As of November 30, 2015, there had been 1,248 cases (99.7/100,000 live births) relative to the prevalence of 5.7 cases/100,000 live births reported in 2010. At the moment, however, the link between Zika virus infection and microcephaly appears to be a temporal one. Although the relationship is not clearly described, the concern is real.

There is no specific treatment for Zika infection. Medicines such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be given to help relieve the symptoms. There is no vaccine available. The main way to prevent Zika infection is by avoiding mosquito bites. The aedes aegypti mosquitoes lay eggs in man-made, water filled receptacles, such as water tanks, buckets, tyres, machinery, pet water dishes and pot plant drip trays, with mosquito eggs able to survive in dried-out containers for up to 12 months.

The elimination of potential breeding sites and personal protection are key in avoiding the spread of this disease. Remember to cover and completely seal septic tanks, rainwater tanks or other large water storage containers. Dispose of rubbish around the yard that may collect water, e.g. plastic sheets or old tarpaulins, pot plant holders, old wheelbarrows, old tyres, and plastic containers of any type. Ensure roof gutters drain freely, so that pools of water are not left at any low points.

On a personal level, you should wear loose, light-coloured protective clothing in outdoor situations, covering feet, legs and arms. The use of personal repellents containing DEET or picaridin on areas of exposed skin, in combination with protective clothing is also effective. Avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn to avoid mosquito bites, particularly in poorly lit areas. If your accommodation is not well screened, sleep inside mosquito netting. Remember that these measures are not only for Zika virus, but also for any diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue and Chikunguna.