Zika

STIs A to Z

What is Zika?
Zika is transmitted through the Aedes mosquito bites. They bite both during the day and night. To date Zika is not present in the Maltese islands, although the mosquito is present. You can contract Zika when you visit countries where Zika is endemic.

It is caused by the Zika virus, named after the Zika forest in Uganda, where it was initially discovered.


How can I lower my risk for Zika?
You are at risk if you have travelled or will be travelling to one of the countries highlighted in the following map which can be accessed through this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-information

In the above countries, there were previous reports of outbreaks of Zika.

The Aedes mosquito is present in other countries, including Malta, but no Zika cases have been reported. The Aedes mosquito is not present in all countries.

You can lower the risk of contracting Zika by:

  • Prevention During Travel
  • Mosquito repellents are to be applied to protect oneself from being bitten. Various types of repellents exist, for example DEET, picaridin (if allergic to DEET), etc. It is important that one follows the manufacturer’s directions of how to apply them for the repellent to be effective. Re-application is advised as directed by the manufacturer. Mosquito repellents are not to be applied directly on the skin under clothing and are to be applied after sunscreen, if used. Usage of insect repellents in babies under 2 months of age is not advisable. It is recommended that clothes and gear are treated with insect repellents as directed by the manufacturer.


Recommendations:

  • Wear long sleeves and trousers and not to wear bright colours since these attract mosquitoes.
  • If possible, one should stay in air-conditioned rooms.
  • Wire-mesh/mosquito nets are placed in doors and windows.
  • Sleep under mosquito-nets, if possible.


Prevention During Sex
It is important to wear a condom during sexual activity as Zika virus has been documented to present in the semen, especially if your partner is pregnant, as the virus can be transmitted from the pregnant mother to the unborn child.

It is advised to use condoms, if asymptomatic and have visited one of the countries, where Zika has been reported, for at least eight weeks after returning from this country. If you had symptoms, it is recommended to use condoms for at least six months after returning from a Zika-affected country.

Blood Transfusion
It is also advised not to donate blood for at least 28 days after returning from a Zika-affected country.

How does someone get Zika?

  • Through mosquito bites.
  • Through sex.
  • From a pregnant mother to her unborn child.
  • Possibly through blood transfusion (further studies are ongoing).


What are the symptoms of Zika?
You may have no symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

  • Fever.
  • Headache.
  • Rash.
  • Joint pains.
  • Muscle pains.
  • Red eyes.

The symptoms generally last for a couple of days or even a week. Most people infected with Zika show no symptoms.

How can I found out if I have Zika?
By having a blood test specifically for Zika, or sometimes you may be asked to have your urine tested. Your doctor may ask if you have been vaccinated against other virus of the same family of the Zika virus, ex: dengue, West Nile, Japanese Encephalitis, as these may affect your result.

When should I be tested?
If you travelled to countries where Zika infection is endemic and develop symptoms.

How is Zika treated?
Treatment is given to control the symptoms, there is no specific treatment. It is important to drink fluids so as to keep yourself well hydrated. If you have fever and/or pain, it is important to take paracetamol, avoid aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), especially if you are not sure whether you have Zika or possibly other infections such as Dengue. If you have a rash which is itching, consult your doctor to prescribe you an antihistamine. It is also important to rest as much as possible. It is very rarely that patients require admission to hospital.

Pregnant Persons
If you are pregnant, and have travelled to any of the above countries, even if you do not have any symptoms, or you are planning to visit one of these countries, it is important to speak to your gynaecologist.

Can I get Zika again after I’ve been treated?
No, generally people who have been infected with Zika, are immune for life.

What are the complications of Zika, if I don’t get treated?
If you are pregnant, the effects on the unborn child, could result in severe damage, including microcephaly, besides other brain damage. It could also lead to miscarriage, still birth, etc.
Guilllain-Barre syndrome has been reported in patients.

Further information and help

  • Talk to your doctor
  • If you are pregnant, talk to your gynaecologist
  • Speak to an Infectious Disease Consultant
  • Call GU clinic on 25457494/1 for an appointment


Reference List:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zika-virus

https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/zika-virus-disease

https://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-information (accessed 18/06/2020)