Although the virus is most commonly transmitted through mosquito bites, it can also rarely be transferred from an infected mother to her child. There are also reports that it might possibly be transmissible from human to human by a blood transfusion or sexual contact, but this is still being determined.
So far, the greatest known risk from Zika is to pregnant women. Pregnant women are at risk of their babies’ developing birth defects such as microcephaly from the disease. Microcephaly is a condition where the baby’s head is born smaller than it should be, compared to babies of the same sex and age.
What is Zika virus?
- Through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito
- Zika fever, Zika, Zika disease
What are the common symptoms of Zika virus?
- 1 in 5 people get sick
- Illness is usually mild
- Mild headaches, fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes
How is Zika virus transmitted?
- Infected mosquitoes spread the virus through bites
- From pregnant mother to baby
Is there a vaccine, cure or treatment?
- No
- Work is underway to develop a vaccine but it could take years
Treat the symptoms:
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
- Take medicine such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain
- Medical care and advice
What does Zika have to do with microcephaly?
- Microcephaly comes with sight & congenital heart diseases
- Still unknown whether there is direct link betwen Zika virus and microcephaly
More info: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/hc-providers/qa-pregnant-women.html
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