Zika Virus

Zika Virus is a disease caused by the Zika virus called the Fever. The virus was first isolated in monkeys in 1947 from the Zika forest of Uganda and then identified in humans in 1952.

Zika virus is also known as a congenital syndrome and is caused by birth defects centers disease control and Prevention (CDC). All Pregnant women should be tested for Zika who report recent travel. The Zika virus develops symptoms within 2 weeks of travel.

Causes Of Zika Fever:

The family of this virus is called Flavivridae. It is a single-stranded RNA virus.

Transmission of Zika Fever:

The virus may be transferred through:

• Blood transfusion,
• Zika virus is transmitted to humans through Aides aegypti or Aides mosquitoes,
• Mother to child during pregnancy
• Transfer through sexual contact

Symptoms:

• Pain in hands and feet
• Conjunctivitis (Red eyes)
• Body Rash
• Mild fever and abdominal Pain
• Fatigue and joint Pain
• Headache and muscle Pain
• Microcephaly in new baby

Complications:

• Miscarriages
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Preterm Birth
• Neuropathy and myelitis
• Limited joints movement
• Eye and brain damage

Diagnosis:

1. CBC: Mild Leukopenia, Mild Thrombocytopenia
2. Pregnancy Test: Amniocentesis. RI-PCR (IgM ELISA)
3. Serological: IgM ELISA
4. Molecular: PCR

Material Required:

• Sample buffer bottle
• Test devices
• Patient, blood sample.
• Micropipettes
• Kit for test

Procedure:

• Collect the 1 to 1.5ml blood in Red Top, op Gel tube. Centrifuge the blood sample and separate the plasma or serum for the test.
• With a provided micropipette apply five microliters of serum Plasma or whole blood to the one area indicated by the arrow mark.
• Add two drops of sample buffer too well marked. Start the timer and read results at the 20 minutes.
• Zika virus is closely related to the dengue virus.

Result:

• Positive: Visible IgG and or IgM Test lines.
• Negative: Invisible Test lines.

Prevention:

• Eliminate mosquito breeding.
• All Pregnant women avoid traveling to areas where there is an outbreak of the Flavivridae virus.
• Use of insect repellent.
• Wearing Protective clothes when you go to mosquito-infested areas.
• Don’t let water stagnate.

Treatment:

There is no Vaccine to Prevent or medicine to treat Zika infection.

• Plasma exchange
• Complete bed rest
• Drink Plenty of fluid
• Use of acetaminophen to relieve fever and joint pain.