Zika disease is caused by a flavivirus originally described in monkeys in the Zika Forest of Uganda in 1947
-It is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, sexual intercourse, and vertically from mother to child during pregnancy
Symptoms & Signs
-Most infected individuals are asymptomatic, others can develop maculopapular rash, arthralgia,myalgia, conjunctivitis, headaches, and fever.
-There is an increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome following Zika infection.
-Congenital fetal infection: greatest risk of serious fetal sequelae is with first-trimester infection; microcephaly, ventriculomegaly, intracranial calcifications, intrauterine growth restriction
Diagnosis: offer testing to any pregnant women traveling from Zika-affected regions (Central America, South America, Caribbean and Pacific Islands)
-Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) testing for Zika viral RNA (in serum, urine, or whole blood) or serology
-No specific treatment
-Only supportive treatment: analgesics, antipyretics, mosquito prevention strategies
-Pregnancy Care: serial fetal ultrasounds every 3 to 4 weeks
-Unlike dengue, Zika does not lead to hemorrhage or shock
-Male patients should avoid attempts at conceiving with their partner for 6 months following symptoms or exposure
-Avoid travel to endemic areas
-Avoid mosquitoes using repellents and wearing protective clothing
|Fever, maculopapular rash + Guillain-Barré syndrome + microcephaly + history of travel to South America + caused by flavivirus which can be active in semen for up to 6 months after infection = Zika|