The Zika Virus is spread mostly by the bite of an
infected Aedes species mosquito found mostly in tropical locations but has now
been spread to the Aedes albopictus found in Mexico. As of April
27, 2016, the CDC reports 426 travel-associated Zika Virus cases reported and 9
acquired cases in the US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
There have not been any cases of infected mosquitoes in the US at
this time. The first few cases of Zika virus were reported last year in Brazil
and neighboring countries. Within a short time the virus is suspected to have
infected millions of people in south and Central America; however, not all
those who are infected become ill. It is estimated that 80% of infections
will not be diagnosed.
The initial reports from Brazil
revealed that Zika virus could cause birth defects when acquired by a pregnant
female, but reports are inconclusive. The CDC reports that the Zika Virus
although rare, can spread from a mother to her fetus during
pregnancy and it may be linked to birth defects. Other
reports have indicated that the Zika virus could also cause a Guillain Barre
like syndrome and partial paralysis. This has created a Level One Health
Concern issued by the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health
Organization (WHO). The CDC has not yet made a direct link between
Guillain Barre and Zika. The CDC is working with Brazil to study the
possibility of a link between Zika and GBS.
While it has always been believed
that the Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, the first case of Zika virus
transmitted by sexual intercourse was recently reported. The CDC
recommends the use of condoms in areas of concerns and has issued travel
advisories for pregnant women who are considering travel to areas that are
affected in Mexico, Central and South America. Even though 3 people have been
confirmed to have died in Chile due to a Zika virus, there is no report of
prior medical conditions of these patients so the exact cause of death remains
a mystery. Additionally, there are no reports of infants getting Zika
virus through breastfeeding. Because of the benefits of breastfeeding,
mothers are encouraged to breastfeed even in areas where Zika virus is found.
The Zika virus is causing panic, so it is important to be clear about the
facts. The first thing to understand is that is not a
contagious virus similar to the Ebola virus or the common cold. The
majority of people infected with Zika never develops symptoms. The Zika virus
is not transmitted via aerosol droplets, so there is currently no need for
personalized protection equipment or isolation rooms. The few patients who
develop symptoms may present with fatigue, headache, joint pain, malaise and a
cough. The only way to confirm the diagnosis in the US is for testing to be
completed by the CDC through your healthcare provider.
The media has caused such an uproar that healthcare professionals may believe
that they need to started to investing in testing for the Zika virus and
develop protocols on how to treat and manage infected patients. We need
to be prepared, but have to be careful not to overreact. According to the
CDC, “approximately 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become symptomatic.
Characteristic clinical findings are acute onset of fever with maculopapular
rash, arthralgia, or conjunctivitis. Other commonly reported symptoms include
myalgia and headache. Clinical illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting
for several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is
uncommon and case fatality is low”.
There are no known cures or
vaccines for Zika virus. The CDC recommended treatment is getting plenty
of rest, fluids, and use of analgesics and antipyretics. Because of similar
geographic distribution and symptoms, patients with suspected Zika virus
infections also should be evaluated and managed for possible dengue or
chikungunya virus infection. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the
risk of hemorrhage. People infected with Zika, chikungunya, or dengue virus
should be protected from further mosquito exposure during the first few days of
illness to prevent other mosquitoes from becoming infected and reduce the risk
of local transmission.
EPA approved mosquito repellent can
be used to help prevent mosquito bites as well as keeping infants covered when
outdoors. Lastly, to prevent any type of mosquitoes from calling your
space their home, make sure to remove standing water where mosquitoes like to
breed, as well as making sure that screens are in good repair and doors are
kept closed.
No comments:
Post a Comment