Zika virus is easily transmitted, common knowledge about diagnosis and symptoms

Zika virus is a highly contagious and epidemiological disease that can cause infection in many pregnant women, infants and young children. The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through mosquito bites, mother-to-child contact, or sexual intercourse. The main feature of the Zika virus is microcephaly, and the patient himself may also have fever, rash and joint pain.

Diagnosis

Zika virus infection is diagnosed based on symptoms and epidemiological history (e.g., mosquito bite or travel to an area known to have Zika virus).

Diagnosis by serology can be difficult because Zika virus cross-reacts with other flaviviruses, such as dengue, West Nile virus, and yellow fever. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and blood culture can confirm the diagnosis. If Zika virus RNA is detected in peripheral serum within 7 days of onset, the diagnosis can be made. However, since the RT-PCR positive window is relatively short (3-7 days), that is, the viremia period is short, a negative result outside the positive window cannot rule out infection.

Causes symptoms

Comparison between normal babies and microcephalic babies

The Public Health Agency of England said that the Zika virus that causes Zika fever does not appear naturally in the UK, but the virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes. In rare cases, the virus can also be transmitted through sex or from mother to child.

Babies born to pregnant women infected with the Zika virus may be born with microcephaly. Symptoms of Zika fever include fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, and non-purulent conjunctivitis.