The Zika virus was first identified in 1947 in Uganda and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, mainly A. aegypti. The current outbreak originated in Brazil in 2015 and has since spread to over two dozen countries, prompting the WHO to declare it a global health emergency due to a cluster of birth defects linked to the virus. Symptoms are usually mild and last 2-7 days, including fever, skin rash, headache, malaise, muscle and joint pains, and red eyes. There is no vaccine or specific treatment, so prevention through mosquito bite protection and removal of breeding sites is key.
The Zika virus was first identified in 1947 in Uganda and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, mainly A. aegypti. The current outbreak originated in Brazil in 2015 and has since spread to over two dozen countries, prompting the WHO to declare it a global health emergency due to a cluster of birth defects linked to the virus. Symptoms are usually mild and last 2-7 days, including fever, skin rash, headache, malaise, muscle and joint pains, and red eyes. There is no vaccine or specific treatment, so prevention through mosquito bite protection and removal of breeding sites is key.
The Zika virus was first identified in 1947 in Uganda and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, mainly A. aegypti. The current outbreak originated in Brazil in 2015 and has since spread to over two dozen countries, prompting the WHO to declare it a global health emergency due to a cluster of birth defects linked to the virus. Symptoms are usually mild and last 2-7 days, including fever, skin rash, headache, malaise, muscle and joint pains, and red eyes. There is no vaccine or specific treatment, so prevention through mosquito bite protection and removal of breeding sites is key.
The Zika virus was first identified in 1947 in Uganda and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, mainly A. aegypti. The current outbreak originated in Brazil in 2015 and has since spread to over two dozen countries, prompting the WHO to declare it a global health emergency due to a cluster of birth defects linked to the virus. Symptoms are usually mild and last 2-7 days, including fever, skin rash, headache, malaise, muscle and joint pains, and red eyes. There is no vaccine or specific treatment, so prevention through mosquito bite protection and removal of breeding sites is key.
First identified in Uganda in 1947 and identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. The epicentre of the current outbreak of this disease is in Brazil (May 2015), but has spread to 27 other countries, prompting the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare a cluster of birth defects linked to Zika a GLOBAL HEALTH EMERGENCY.
AFFECTED COUNTRIES
MODE OF TRANSMISSION Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.
AMERICAS Barbados Bolivia Brazil Colombia Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, US Territory Costa Rica Curacao Dominican Republic Ecuador El Salvador French Guiana Guadeloupe OCEANIA/PACIFIC ISLANDS American Samoa Samoa
Guatemala Guyana Haiti Honduras Martinique Mexico Nicaragua Panama Paraguay Saint Martin Suriname U.S. Virgin Islands Venezuela
AFRICA Cape Verde
Reported Active Transmissions
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
PREVENTION
Normally Lasts for 2-7 DAYS
Removal and Modification of Breeding Sites
Empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water such as buckets, flower pots, vases or tires cases of severe disease.
MILD FEVER
SKIN RASH
HEADACHE
Protection Against Mosquitoes
Use insect repellent. Use of mosquito nets.
MALAISE
MUSCLE & JOINT PAINS
RED EYES
Wear light coloured clothing that cover as much of the body
as possible. Using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows.
TREATMENT NO SPECIFIC TREATMENT; there is no vaccine available.
GET PLENTY OF REST
DRINK ENOUGH FLUIDS
TREAT PAIN & FEVER
WITH COMMON MEDICINES
Special attention and help should be given to those who
may not be able to protect themselves adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly. Travellers to affected areas should take the basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
References : World Health Organisation
| Centers for Disease Control | Time Magazine Disclaimer : The information and advice contained herein are neither exhaustive nor definitive in all circumstances. Please consult your doctor if in doubt or need further advice.
