Zika virus disease

Zika virus disease is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the Zika virus. Its name comes from the Zika forest of Uganda, where the virus was first isolated in 1947. The virus spreads to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same mosquito that causes chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever. However, it can also spread from mother to child during pregnancy or through sexual intercourse. 

It is reported that 4 out of 5 suffering from Zika virus disease do not experience any symptoms. And in people who show the symptoms, it presents as fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle pain, and joint pain. The virus can be diagnosed through RT-PCR and IgM testing. 

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika infection. However, disease can be prevented by reducing mosquito bites. This can be done by applying mosquito repellents, sleeping under nets, wearing long sleeve & using mesh on the windows. Special precautionary measures should be taken by pregnant women to avoid complications such as birth defects.