1. What is the Zika virus Its origin, who is affected?

The Zika virus is a flavivirus (genus of viruses in the family Flaviviridae) transmitted by mosquitoes, close
relative of the Dengue virus. It was first isolated in 1947 from a rhesus monkey in the Zika Forest, a
Ugandan forest that gave it its name. Subsequently the virus was tested positive in humans in 1952 in
the United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda. The Zika virus is endemic in parts of Africa and Asia; It
was first identified in the South Pacific after an epidemic outbreak on the island of Yap of the Federated
States of Micronesia in 2007. Recently it jumped to the headlines for an epidemic that is occurring in
South America (including Brazil, home of the next World Cup) and for some cases in North America (US
and Canada).
To date, the affected countries at-risk countries are: Brazil, El Salvador, Colombia, Guatemala, French
Guiana, Haiti, Mexico, Honduras, Martinique, Panama, Puerto Rico, Paraguay, Suriname, Dominican
Republic, and Venezuela.
2. How is the Zika virus transmitted?
Mosquitoes
The Zika virus is mainly transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes of the Aedes species. These are
the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and Chikungunya virus. These mosquitoes usually lay their
eggs near or in stagnant water deposits such as buckets, bowls, pet bowls, vases of flowers and plants.
They are aggressive during the day, prefer human sting; living inside and outside, close to the people.
Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person infected with the virus. An infected mosquito can
spread the virus to others through a bite.
When it infects the body, the Zika virus binds to the cell membranes and inserts its RNA in order to
colonize the cells and replicate more quickly. As with many other viruses, the body triggers a series of
immune reactions which lead to fever - to stop infection and curb the multiplication of the virus.
Vertical Transmission
A mother, already infected with the Zika virus, at the end of the gestation period can transmit the virus
to the baby in the peri-natal period, but it is yet to be established. It seems possible, and unfortunately
with tragic consequences, that the virus is transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy. This mode
of transmission is under investigation.
3. Which organs get affected, and how it effects a childs development?
Researchers say that the Zika virus may be particularly expert at embedding itself in those organs of the
body that are isolated from the bodys immune system. It can affect the amniotic fluid and the placenta
during the period of pregnancy. Epidemics have revealed two serious complications related to Zika.
These are the Guillain-Barre syndrome and microcephaly and abnormalities of brain development.
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare disease in which the immune system attacks nerve cells,
causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. These symptoms may last for a few weeks or
several months. In general, the majority of those affected by GBS heals, but in some individuals there
are irreversible damage and, in rare cases, the syndrome is deadly.

Microcephaly
One of the consequences of the spread of Zika virus can be just microcephaly, which represent the main
danger when vertical transmission occurs. Microcephaly is a rare disease that leads to severe
abnormalities. It is, in particular, a neurological malformation, occurs due to the lack of development of
the skull. It happens in these cases that the head of the infant does not grow in proportion with the rest
of the body. The head, therefore, maintains the small size and the brain does not develop fully. Infants
with microcephaly have cognitive defects and difficulties related to motor functions.
3. Symptoms
The Zika virus infection is characterized by fever modest (less than 38.5C), often associated with dots
on the skin. Also are common symptoms such as muscle pain, joint pain possibly with swelling (typically
borne by the small joints of the hands and feet), headache, pain in the eyes and conjunctivitis. Because
the symptoms are often mild, the infection can go undetected or misdiagnosed as dengue. Most people
recover without significant complications and it is rare recourse to hospitalization.
4. Preventive measures
The mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus are mostly diurnal, at least in the currently endemic areas.
The preventive strategy currently includes a protection from mosquitoes:
-- Use insect repellents: Repellents containing DEET, picaridina, IR3535 and some lemon eucalyptus
oils and products with para-menthane 3, 8 diol provide a long lasting protection.
-- If the weather permits, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants.
-- Use air conditioning or screens on the windows / doors to keep mosquitoes out. If you cannot protect
yourself from mosquitoes at home or in a hotel, sleep under bed nets.
-- Help reduce the number of mosquitoes inside and outside of their own home or the hotel by emptying
stagnant water in containers such as plant pots or buckets.
5. Treatment or breakthrough
As for many viral diseases (even the most common, such as the flu) there is no proper cure which can
make the body to react to stop the virus. The recommended treatments are usually aimed at reducing
symptoms, so it does not escalate or compromise the patient's overall health. Meanwhile, the immune
system learns to recognize the virus and conserves memory, so as to avoid relapses in the case of a
new puncture by an infected mosquito. There is still no vaccine against the disease, so the best way to
avoid infection is to keep away the mosquitoes.
More research is underway to better understand the link between Zika and microcephaly and other
disorders. Until the researchers find a clear explanation, the authorities advice pregnant women not to
travel to the countries where the number of infections is very high.