We have been asked a lot of questions about Zika virus, which has been in the news. Here is some general information about Zika virus.
What Is Zika Virus?
- Zika virus infection is spread by mosquitoes and is caused by a virus closely related to dengue, West Nile virus, and Japanese encephalitis.
- Less commonly, the virus can be transmitted from mother to baby immediately before & after birth, through blood transfusions, and sexual transmission.
Risk Factors:
- Anyone who is living in or travelling to an area where there is ongoing transmission of Zika virus is at risk of acquiring the infection.
- Some areas of note are: Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, El Salvador, French Polynesia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Thailand, Venezuela.
Symptoms:
- About 1 of 5 affected people have symptoms.
- Symptoms are flu-like in nature: fever, headache, general sense of feeling unwell, rash (often starting on face and spreading to rest of body), joint or muscle pain, red eyes.
- Symptoms usually last 2-7 days, are generally mild, and get better on their own.
- It appears that pregnant women that are infected with Zika are at a higher risk to have their child born with birth defects. This is still being investigated.
Prevention:
- There is no vaccine or medication to prevent Zika virus, so insect precautions and personal protection measures against mosquitoes are the main prevention strategies!
- This includes: mosquito repellent, long sleeves & pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or window/door screens.
- Pregnant women should consider taking additional precautions, or possibly delay their trip if there is a Zika outbreak in the area they are travelling.
- The mosquitoes that transmit Zika virus are active in the daytime, so it is important to apply an effective mosquito repellent during daytime hours.
- Containers with standing water can be breeding sites for mosquitoes, so be sure to empty them or remove them if they are close to your living residence.
Treatment:
- There is no specific treatment for Zika virus. Most Zika virus infections resolve spontaneously over a few days. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help relieve symptoms.
If you have questions before you travel, book an appointment with a travel health professional, who is up to date with the latest information about Zika and other illnesses.
Our clinic also stocks mosquito repellants with DEET 30% and icaridin 20%. Icaridin containing mosquito sprays are the first choice recommended by Health Canada for children 6 months to 12 years old. You do not need an appointment to purchase these mosquito sprays.
To book an appointment at our travel clinic in Airdrie, click here.