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The Zika virus causes symptoms of fever and rash in adults. However, it is extremely dangerous in the case of pregnant infections. Scientists believe that the Zika virus can cause microcephaly in newborns. The pathogen is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes.
What is the Zika virus?
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an RNA virus that causes fever and rash in infected humans and monkeys. It was discovered in 1947 in Uganda, when the serum from king macaque involved in a program investigating another disease was examined. As early as five years later, it was suspected that the Zika virus could also infect humans, and over the next dozen or so years this hypothesis was confirmed.
In 2015, the Zika virus epidemic broke out in Brazil. Due to the sudden increase in the number of children born with microcephaly, it was suspected that there was a link between infection in pregnant women and fetal malformations.
Symptoms of Zika virus infection
The symptoms of Zika virus infection are somewhat similar to those of dengue, and due to the fact that both viruses are spread in the same areas when an epidemic broke out in Micronesia in 2007, it was initially suspected that it was dengue. With Zika virus infection, you get a general feeling of discomfort, headache, fever, and a red, tiny rash. There may also be joint problems – especially pain and inflammation. In the course of the disease, abdominal pain and sometimes vomiting appear, and the appetite decreases. Additionally, conjunctivitis and photophobia develop.
Zika virus and microcephaly
In 2015, more than 3 were born in Brazil. children with microcephaly. This number is 15 times greater than in the pre-epidemic period. Moreover, the Zika virus has been shown to cross the placenta, since it has been detected in babies of mothers who become infected during pregnancy. Based on these facts, researchers conclude that ZIKV infection during pregnancy can cause baby microcephaly. This hypothesis still needs to be finally confirmed, but now pregnant women are advised not to travel to regions where the virus is spread.
How is Zika virus transmitted?
The mosquito of the Aedes aegypti species is primarily responsible for the spread of the Zika virus. It occurs mainly in the tropics. The same species of mosquito carries diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever and West Nile fever.
In 2009, it was also proven that the Zika virus can be sexually transmitted. The biologist Brian Foy then infected his wife in the United States after returning from Senegal, where he studied mosquitoes and was bitten by them many times.
The Zika virus also crosses the placenta and thus spreads from mother to child. This was confirmed last year when the amniotic fluid of an infected woman was examined. Viruses have been detected in it.
Zika virus infection prophylaxis
As with most viruses, the basic principle of prevention is good personal hygiene. Thorough hand washing, especially before eating, protects against most viral infections.
Zika virus is heat inactivated. 15 minutes at a temperature above 60 degrees Celsius is enough for it to lose its virulence, which is why heat-treated food is safe.
Pregnant women are advised not to travel to areas where the Zika virus is widespread. Authorities in Brazil, where the Zika virus has wreaked the greatest havoc, are urging couples planning to temporarily halt their efforts.