1. What is the Zika Virus?

The Zika Virus has existed since the 1940s, but people have only started hearing about it during the massive outbreak in Brazil in 2015. This virus affected 1.3 million people, completely changing scientists’ perspective on mosquito-borne viruses.

For decades, Zika outbreaks were rare, small, and caused very little harm. Scientists have now found it possible to damage the brains of fetuses and cause incurable and life-long health and cognitive issues. Based on this evidence, the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency on February 1st, 2016.

So, what exactly is the Zika virus? It is a mosquito-borne virus initially discovered in a Rhesus macaque monkey in Uganda in 1947. It was later found to infect and cause illness in humans across African countries during the 1950s. Much later, outbreaks were seen in the Americas and other areas with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Travelers from affected regions were infected, and sexual transmission of the Zika virus was confirmed.

If you're feeling confused and unsure whether you are infected or not, you will need to consult a doctor. You can also talk to us here:

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2. What are the Symptoms?

The majority of people who were infected with the Zika virus don’t show symptoms. These signs typically emerge within two to 12 days after being bitten and vanish within a week. Serious illness demanding hospital care is rare.

The symptoms are:

• Mild fever
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Red eyes
• A rash on the body

And the less common symptoms are:

• Stomach pain
• Queasiness
• Diarrhea

Since these symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, lab tests are required to confirm whether you are infected with the Zika virus.

On rare occasions, the Zika virus can lead to serious complications. Researchers discovered that some people who were infected with Zika during the Brazil and French Polynesia outbreaks were later diagnosed with Guillain-Barré, which is a rare and fatal neurological condition that damages people’s nerve cells, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. The symptoms may persist for weeks, months, or even years.

On a more concerning note, Zika is associated with a severe birth defect known as microcephaly, marked by an undersized head and incomplete brain development. The virus has been detected in the amniotic fluid of pregnant women with babies with the defect and in the brains of babies with microcephaly who died within 24 hours of birth. The evidence of Zika's link to birth issues continues to increase.

3. Being Pregnant with a Zika Virus

The challenge with Zika is that many infected people go undiagnosed, yet it could harm unborn babies. This situation puts pregnant women and those planning to become mothers in a difficult position. In parts of Latin America, women are advised to delay having children for months or even years due to Zika. However, this is complicated by limited access to family planning, the lack of condoms for some, and legal restrictions on abortion.

Meanwhile, pregnant women in the US areadvised to avoid traveling to regions with Zika virus transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided instructions on managing pregnancy during a Zika outbreak, practicing safe sex, and determining when to undergo Zika testing.

Be cautious if you are trying to conceive and plan to visit these regions. It is highly recommended that you discuss your trip with your doctor beforehand and take measures to avoid mosquito bites while you're there.

You also don't need to worry about Zika. It does not appear to cause birth defects in future pregnancies. Research suggests the virus leaves the body quite soon, usually staying in the blood for only about a week after infection.

4. The Zika Virus Transmission

When a mosquito known as Aedes aegypti bites, it primarily spreads Zika. There's also some evidence that another mosquito, the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), can transmit the virus. This is concerning because the Asian tiger mosquito is found in many more areas in the United States, reaching at least 32 states.

Did You Know It Can Be Sexually Transmitted

“A person infected with the Zika virus can spread it to their partner(s) via vaginal, anal, and possibly oral sex. The use of shared sex toys can also pose a risk. The virus has been found in semen, vaginal fluids, saliva, urine, and breast milk. However, there is no evidence that Zika virus can be transmitted through saliva during deep kissing.”

While mosquito bites are considered the main way Zika spreads, they might not be the only method. Scientists are discovering additional possible ways the virus could be transmitted. Several cases documented in medical literature indicate the possibility of sexual transmission of Zika. However, scientists are uncertain about how long Zika can persist in semen. Sexual transmission is uncommon and can only spread from men to women (not vice versa).

The CDC recommends men who have been to Zika-affected areas and have pregnant partners either abstain from sex or use condoms for vaginal, anal, and oral sex during the pregnancy. For couples not expecting, the CDC suggests considering condom use or abstaining if the male partner has traveled to a Zika-prone region.

5. Are There Any Vaccines or Treatments Available?

No, until recently, Zika didn't seem to be much of a health concern, so there hasn't been much research. The current outbreak has led to more funding and focus on Zika research, and the WHO is urging researchers to create a vaccine and improve diagnostic tests, but these developments will likely take several years.

6. How Can We Prevent Further Zika Outbreaks?

Since there is currently no vaccine for Zika, preventing mosquitoes from biting people is the most effective way to stop outbreaks. Health authorities can use larvicide to treat specific bodies of water to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. They can also use fumigation to kill adult mosquitoes. However, since Aedes mosquitoes are attracted to small bodies of water near human dwellings, individual efforts to reduce mosquito habitats are crucial, according to Janet McAllister, a researcher at the CDC's division of vector-borne diseases.

McAllister has suggested keeping your yard tidy, removing debris or items outside that collect water or modifying them to prevent water accumulation, and maintaining vegetation, such as mowing grass and trimming bushes, to ensure good airflow.

7. How Sure Are Scientists About Zika’s Risks?

Scientists are not entirely sure, but you can expect more information in the future about the virus, its transmission, and how it affects people.

The Zika virus used to be uncommon, with few cases reported, and its effects seemed mild. Consequently, research on the virus has been minimal. However, as the virus spreads and more researchers delve into available data, our understanding of Zika will likely improve.

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We’re here to help

With whatever you’re experiencing, you are not alone. PULSE Social Enterprise is here for any concerns and questions that you might have about your health.

From general wellness to mental well-being to sexual health, we will be sure to give you fast, reliable, and safe diagnosis, treatment, and consultation.

To book an appointment, please email us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat with us on your preferred platform.

+66-84-226-2569  @PulseRx  PULSEClinic