Definition
The Zika virus is the causative agent of an acute viral disease, which causes clinical manifestations very similar to those of dengue and chikungunya.
Infection in humans is transmitted mainly with the bite of mosquitoes of the genus Aedes ( A. Aegypti and A. albopictus ), although direct infection through blood products or by sexual means is possible.
The virus has also been found in the placenta and amniotic fluid of pregnant women, so a maternal-fetal contagion may occur; this mode of transmission can have teratogenic effects on the embryo, above all if the infection is contracted in the first trimester of gestation (it is believed that the viral agent can determine cases of microcephaly and other fetal malformations).
The Zika virus is present in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, South Asia and the Western Pacific.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Asthenia
- Chills
- Conjunctivitis
- Foot pain
- Hand and wrist pain
- Articolar pains
- Muscle pains
- Temperature
- Joint swelling
- macrocephaly
- macules
- Headache
- Microcephaly
- Nausea
- Eyes reddened
- papules
Further indications
After the bite of an infected mosquito, the symptoms of Zika virus fever tend to occur after an incubation period of 3-12 days.
Infection causes flu-like symptoms, such as low-grade fever, asthenia, conjunctivitis, headache, myalgia and joint pain (especially in the hands and feet). Furthermore, a maculo-papular rash may occur, which often begins on the face, then spreads to the rest of the body. Zika virus fever generally has a benign course and usually resolves spontaneously within 2-7 days.
It should be noted that one person in four does not develop symptoms.
At the moment, the complications of the disease are little known. However, during the recent Zika outbreaks, there was an unusual increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome (neurological complication due to an immune response that mistakenly attacks part of the nervous system); this potential association is still being studied. Further investigations are also needed to clarify the connection between the infection of pregnant women and the increase in children born with microcephaly.
Zika virus fever is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms, recent medical history (such as mosquito bites or travel in an endemic area) and laboratory tests that show the infection (serological tests and RT-PCR).
Currently, no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines are available to treat and prevent Zika virus fever. The treatment is therefore aimed at controlling the symptoms and includes rest, fluid intake and the use of analgesics and antipyretics. Most patients recover completely without neurological complications.
The best way to prevent infection, on the other hand, is to avoid being stung by mosquitoes in endemic areas, by controlling the sites that support the reproduction of vectors (eg tree cavities and natural or artificial water surfaces) .
Furthermore, it is possible to use insecticides containing DEET, mosquito nets and protective clothing.
