Zika: A clinical guide
Transmission
The key transmission route is through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes.
In the Americas, the main carrier is Aedes aegypti. Aedes albopictus may also be a competent vector.
There is evidence to support mother to fetus transmission
in utero.
Probable sexual transmission
has been reported.
Transmission through transfusion
of infected blood is a possibility.
Transmission
The key transmission route is through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes.
In the Americas, the main carrier is Aedes aegypti. Aedes albopictus may also be a competent vector.
There is evidence to suggest trans-placental or perinatal transmission during delivery.
Probable sexual transmission has been reported.
Infection through transfusion of infected blood
is a possibility.
Prevention
Pregnant women should avoid travel to outbreak areas
Bite prevention measures should be used day and night by travellers in outbreak areas:
- Long clothing
- Insect repellent
- Mosquito nets over beds
Condoms should be used by men returning from outbreak areas:
- Asymptomatic: 28 days
- Symptomatic: 6 months
Symptoms
Symptoms are usually mild and may go unnoticed.
Diagnosis should be guided by likely exposures and diagnostic tests.
Complications
An increase in congenital microcephaly has been reported in areas experiencing Zika virus outbreaks. The association is, as yet, unconfirmed.
Felipe Dana/AP/PA