What does the Zika virus do?

The virus causes birth defects in babies born to some infected pregnant women, including microcephaly, where babies are born with underdeveloped heads and brain damage. Zika has also been linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves.

Is Zika virus is fatal?

Can zika virus cause death? -According to Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention(CDC), deaths are uncommon in zika. The symptoms of zika virus are generally mild and the infected person needs hospitalisation in severe cases.

Is Zika virus airborne?

Zika is not an airborne disease and cannot be spread by coughing, sneezing or talking. However, Zika virus has been found in semen and person-to-person sexual transmission has been documented, although this is uncommon.

Can Zika be cured?

There is no treatment available for Zika virus infection or its associated diseases. Symptoms of Zika virus infection are usually mild. People with symptoms such as fever, rash, or arthralgia should get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines.

Was Zika a pandemic or epidemic?

Epidemic and pandemic are terms primarily distinguished in terms of spread of contagious, infectious, or viral illness. An epidemic is limited to one specific region while a pandemic has a worldwide spread. Zika virus disease is an epidemic which was reported in Brazil in Feb., 2016.

Is Zika rash itchy?

The rash associated with the Zika virus is a combination of flat blotches (macules) and raised tiny reddish bumps (papules). The technical name for the rash is “maculopapular.” It’s often itchy. The Zika virus is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

Where can the Zika virus be found in the human body?

Zika virus can also be transmitted through sex and has been detected in semen, blood, urine, amniotic fluids, saliva as well as body fluids found in the brain and spinal cord.

Is there a vaccine for Zika virus?

There is no specific medicine or vaccine for Zika virus. Treat the symptoms. Get plenty of rest.

Are there any vaccines for Zika virus?

What does Zika do?

Zika is a virus that’s spread mostly by mosquitoes. Most adults who get it have mild symptoms. But it can cause serious problems for pregnant women and their babies.

What type of virus is Zika?

Zika virus is a Flavivirus, or a virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family, which includes many viruses, including dengue virus, West Nile virus, and yellow fever virus. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the main insect “vector” (transmitter) of Zika virus, but Aedes albopictus has been documented, as well.

How many deaths from Zika virus?

The Zika virus is the number one killer of men aged 20-49 in the UK. Between 5,600 to 6,000 people die of the Zika virus each year in the UK, killing 4 times as many men as women. It killed over 840,000 people Worldwide in 2013.

Who is at risk for Zika?

The risk of getting Zika. There’s an ongoing risk for Canadians who: are travelling to a Zika-affected country or area have had unprotected sexual contact with someone who was diagnosed with Zika virus infection or travelled to a Zika-affected country or area.