Zika fever

Zika fever (pronounced /ˈziːkə/ ZEE-kə) is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the Zika virus.

Etymology

The name "Zika" comes from the Zika Forest in Uganda where the virus was first isolated in 1947.

Symptoms

Most people infected with the Zika virus have no signs or symptoms, while others report mild fever, rash and muscle pain. Other signs and symptoms may include headache, red eyes (conjunctivitis) and a general feeling of discomfort. Symptoms can last for several days to a week.

Transmission

Zika fever is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes species mosquito. The mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus, through sexual contact and possibly through blood transfusion.

Prevention

Prevention involves reducing mosquito populations and avoiding bites, which occur mainly during the day. Efforts to prevent bites include the use of insect repellent, covering much of the body with clothing, mosquito nets, and getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes reproduce.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment or vaccine. Care is supportive. The disease usually runs a benign course and symptoms often clear up in two to seven days.

Related terms

• Aedes
• Zika virus
• Zika Forest
• Mosquito-borne diseases
• Infectious disease

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Zika fever
• Wikipedia's article - Zika fever

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