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Zika Virus

Discover the History, Symptoms, and Ways to Reduce Chances of Contracting the Virus

Facts About Zika Virus

Zika is a virus transmitted to humans from mosquitoes. It can be transferred from human to human, but the origin of any outbreak would be from a mosquito of the “Aedes” family.

Zika is a virus transmitted to humans from mosquitoes. It can be transferred from human to human, but the origin of any outbreak would be from a mosquito of the “Aedes” family.

Typically these outbreaks occur within a narrow equatorial belt between Asia and Africa.

As of 2020, the countries known to be dealing with this include:

  • Caribbean
  • Most Latin America
  • Central Africa
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Cambodia
  • Papua New Guinea

Despite their tropical heritage, in July of 2016 the first homegrown case popped up in the Miami area. Shortly thereafter, Texas began having local transmission as well.

Without a cure and with its ability to spread, Zika Virus will be a ongoing threat.

Zika History Globe

Zika History

The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 and emerged in the public discussion during 2015-2016.

Symptoms

Those who contract the virus often don’t realize they have it. The symptoms tend to be mild and sometimes are non-existent. Known ailments to accompany Zika Virus are:

  • Red eyes
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Fever
  • Birth defects
Zika Virus Symptoms
Risk to Pregnant Women

Risks to Pregnant Women

Zika Virus poses the biggest threat to pregnant women. It has been known to cause miscarriages and stillbirths. If the baby survives, multiple birth defects have been linked back to Zika Virus as well:

  • Microcephaly
  • Congenital Zika Syndrome
  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Treatment

Treatment

Zika Virus Diagnosis Blood Test
There is currently no treatment for Zika Virus. You can’t find a vaccine and there’s no pill available.
For most people, this isn’t an issue. Once you contract Zika Virus, the antibodies build up and you’re immune to the virus afterwards. The majority of people won’t even know they have it. It’ll pass as a cold and never come back.
The best treatments available today are getting infected and becoming immune for the future, or preventing the virus from entering in the first place.
Tips to Reduce Mosquito Bites

4 Tips to Reduce the Mosquito Bites
that Can Transmit Zika Virus

The best way to prevent Zika Virus is to stay away from mosquitoes and don’t let them bite you.
Wear Long Sleeves and Pants
1. Wear long sleeves and pants
Pre-treat Clothing with Permethrin
2. Pre-treat clothing with permethrin
EPA Bug Repellent
3. Use plenty of EPA-Registered bug repellent
Mosquito Control Company
4. Hire a mosquito control company
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure!
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, the point has been made. Don’t get bit and reduce the population of mosquitoes if at all possible. The best way to prevent Zika Virus is to prevent mosquitoes in the first place.
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