What is it?
Zika virus disease is caused by a virus of the flavivirus genus, transmitted mainly by the bite of the Aedes mosquito.
What are the symptoms?
The disease is characterized by:
- mild fever
- Rashes
- conjunctivitis
- joint pain
- malaise
- headache
These symptoms usually last between 2 to 7 days.
How is it transmitted?
The main form of transmission is through the bite of the infected mosquito of the genus Aedes, mainly Aedes aegypti, in tropical regions. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon/early evening.
How is the diagnosis made?
Zika virus infection may be suspected based on symptoms and recent travel history (residence or travel to an area with active Zika virus transmission).
The diagnosis of Zika virus infection can be confirmed by laboratory tests of blood or other body fluids, such as urine, saliva or semen.
What is the incubation period?
The incubation period is defined as the time from exposure to symptoms. In the case of Zika virus disease, this period is not clear, and is probably a few days.
What is the treatment?
The severity of Zika virus disease is usually mild and does not require specific treatment. Infected people should get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, relieve pain, and treat fever with common medications. If symptoms worsen, you should seek medical advice and care. There is currently no vaccine available.
I plan to travel to a country affected by the Zika outbreak. What should I do?
The Traveler Consultation is advisable for all people traveling, providing better advice. In addition, travel agencies usually inform you about the need to present the International Certificate of Vaccination or other essential documents when entering the destination country.
I am pregnant and plan to travel to a country that has Zika. What should I do?
International institutions recommend that pregnant women postpone non-essential travel to countries affected by Zika outbreaks.
If the partner travels to an affected area, it is recommended to use a condom or abstain from sexual therapy until the end of the pregnancy. These recommendations are based on the possible transmission of the infection from a pregnant woman to her foetus.
I've traveled to Zika areas and I'm trying to get pregnant. Should I do any consultation or analysis for screening? If so, what is the best time limit?
According to international recommendations and those of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), couples who intend to become pregnant should wait 6 months after returning from areas considered at risk for the Zika virus, as it can remain in the semen during that period of time.
Source: Directorate-General for Health (DGS)