Zika virus is a virus that is transmitted through mosquito bites. Patients with Zika virus infection usually do not experience symptoms or only feel mild symptoms.
This virus was first discovered in a monkey in the Zika Forest, Uganda, in 1947. In 1952, the first humans infected with the Zika virus were found in Uganda and the Republic of Tanzania. Meanwhile in Indonesia, there were 5 cases of Zika virus infection from 1981 to 2016.
Zika virus belongs to the group flavivirus, which is the same family of viruses as the viruses that cause dengue fever and chikungunya.
Causes of Zika Virus
Zika virus is transmitted through mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The same species of mosquito as the mosquito species that transmit dengue and chikungunya.
These mosquitoes are active during the day and live and breed in areas where there is standing water. The transmission process begins when a mosquito sucks blood from someone who has been infected, then transmits the virus to others through a bite.
In addition to mosquito bites, Zika virus can be transmitted through blood transfusions and sex. This virus can also be passed from pregnant women to the fetus they contain.
Zika virus can be found in breast milk (ASI), but there have been no reports of Zika virus transmission through breastfeeding. Therefore, mothers who are breastfeeding are generally advised to continue breastfeeding their babies even though the mother is infected, lives, or travels to areas prone to virus transmission.
Zika Virus Risk Factors
There are several factors that can increase your risk of being infected with the Zika virus, namely:
- Traveling to areas where there are a lot of Zika virus cases, especially countries in the Americas and Africa
- Having sex with a Zika virus sufferer without wearing a condom
Zika Virus Symptoms
In most cases, Zika virus infection does not show any symptoms, so the sufferer does not know that he has been infected with this virus. But if symptoms appear, they are usually only mild and appear 3–12 days after being bitten by a mosquito.
Some of the symptoms that can appear due to Zika virus infection are:
- Body tired easily
- Fever
- Headache
- skin rash
- Muscle ache
- Joint pain
- Conjunctivitis or inflammation of the eyelids
The above symptoms usually last for a few days and subside after 1 week.
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience the above symptoms, especially if you are pregnant or have recently traveled to an area where Zika virus infections are common.
Through the examination, the doctor can find out whether the symptoms you are experiencing are caused by the Zika virus or other diseases, such as dengue fever or chikungunya.
Zika Virus Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms and medical history. The doctor will also ask if the patient has recently traveled to a country where Zika virus infections are common.
To make the diagnosis more accurate, the doctor will examine the patient's blood or urine sample. Especially for pregnant women, the doctor will carry out supporting examinations which include:
- Ultrasound of pregnancy to detect microcephaly or other abnormalities in the fetus
- Amniocentesis or examination of a sample of amniotic fluid to detect Zika virus
Zika Virus Treatment
Zika virus infection generally does not require special treatment. Doctors will only prescribe paracetamol to relieve headaches and fever. Patients will also be advised to get enough rest and drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.
Zika Virus Complications
Zika virus infection generally does not cause complications, but in pregnant women it is known to cause miscarriage. In addition, Zika virus infection can also cause serious complications for the fetus, such as:
- The baby's head is smaller than normal (microcephaly)
- Broken skull bone
- Brain damage and reduced brain tissue
- Damage to the back of the eye
- Limited ability to move due to joint disorders or due to too much muscle tone
- Guillain-Barr syndrome
- Meningitis
Based on research, people who have been infected with the Zika virus will not be infected with this virus again in the future. Likewise, pregnant women who have been infected with the Zika virus will not have the same risk in subsequent pregnancies. In other words, the body will automatically form antibodies against this viral infection.
Zika Virus Prevention
The best way to prevent Zika virus infection is to avoid traveling to countries or areas where Zika virus infections are high, especially if you are pregnant. But if you have to go to that country or area, do the steps below:
- Consult your health first with your doctor 4-6 weeks before departure.
- Look for information about health facilities available in the area to be visited.
- Do not have sex without using protection (condoms).
Meanwhile, to prevent mosquito bites that cause Zika virus, there are several ways you can do, namely:
- Always wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks.
- Apply a mosquito repellent lotion with a minimum DEET content of 10 percent. Do not apply lotion to eyes, mouth, open wounds, and irritated skin areas.
- Use air conditioning (AC) if possible. If there is no air conditioning, install mosquito nets on windows and doors.
- Put a mosquito net on the bed. If you have a baby or toddler, put a mosquito net on the stroller.
- If you have to stay there long enough, clean the water reservoir once a week and cover the water tank to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in it.
- Spread larvicide powder in water reservoirs to kill mosquito larvae.
- Dispose of used items that can cause stagnant water, such as buckets, flower pots, or tires that are no longer used.