All about ZIKA virus

Here's all you need to know about the Zika virus - from the dangers it poses to pregnant women to the steps one can take to minimise risk of exposure.

Q: What is the Zika virus?

A: It is a virus infection transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which also carries the dengue and chikungunya viruses.

It is generally a mild disease; four in five people who become infected with Zika do not show any symptoms but could be infectious.

Q: What are the symptoms?

A: They include a fever, an itchy rash, body aches, headache, red eyes and occasionally, nausea and vomiting.

These usually develop within three to 12 days after the mosquito bite and often last between four and seven days.

Q: Who is at greatest risk?

A: Unborn babies are the most at risk should their mothers become infected with the Zika virus.

Between 1 per cent and 10 per cent of women infected during pregnancy give birth to babies with defects. The most common defect is microcephaly, where the baby is born with a much smaller head, sloping forehead and damaged brain.

Q: Is there a cure?

A: At the moment, there is no cure or vaccine. Only the symptoms can be treated.

To avoid getting infected, use insect repellent and wear clothing that covers the body, arms and legs.

The public are also encouraged to do the five-step mozzie wipeout to prevent mosquitoes from breeding at home.

ZIKA AND THE LINK TO PREGNANCY

Q: If a woman is pregnant, does that put her at higher risk of getting infected by Zika?

A: There is currently no evidence that this is so, says the Ministry of Health (MOH). However, the consequences can be more serious if a pregnant woman is infected as her unborn child can get a birth defect known as microcephaly, that is, an abnormally small head.

The risk of microcephaly from a Zika virus infection is still unknown, although some studies have put it at between 1 per cent and 13 per cent. Research is still ongoing.

Q: Is the baby at risk throughout the pregnancy?

A: Associate Professor Arijit Biswas, head of obstetrics and gynaecology at the National University Hospital, says the risk is highest during the first trimester and the early part of the second trimester of pregnancy.

Though the risk is lower in the third trimester, the virus could still cause fatal outcomes such as stillbirth.

Courtesy : the strait times, Singapore.