Zika is a mosquito-borne disease that has gained much attention all across the world because of its effects and health disorders. The Zika virus is spread by the Aedes species of mosquitoes that is also commonly known to spread dengue and Chikungunya as well. These mosquitoes are generally more active during the daytime, even though getting bitten at night can also be harmful.
In adults, Zika is not fatal, and if treated symptomatically, Zika can be cured. But in the case of pregnant women, children, and infants, Zika is considered to be very serious. Zika is known to cause microcephaly in infants and unborn children, where the proper development of the brain does not occur.
If you think that you have been persistently unwell after some mosquito bites in the recent past, then you need to check for Zika. Here are the ten symptoms of the Zika virus that are the most prevalent. Please note that whenever you have any of these issues, consult a doctor immediately.
1. Rashes and Itching
All mosquito bites itch moderately. Some a bit more. However, if a mosquito carrying the Zika virus bite you, then the itch may be consistent. Also, you may get rashes that are local to the area of the bite. It is advisable not to scratch the itch much. Washing the place repetitively with cool water may bring some sense of comfort. The irritation goes away in some time, but not as quickly as that of ordinary mosquito bites.
2. Headache
Headaches can be caused by a lot of things. However, Zika can cause headaches too. If you are getting headaches, try to rule out the common causes of headaches like being overworked, lack of sleep or anything that should normally cause a headache. Once you have checked that you have ruled out all causes of a persistent headache, then it could be a Zika Virus infection. Consult a doctor as soon as possible as headaches are often precursors to more severe issues.
3. Fevers
When you have Zika, you will get consistent mild fevers. Now, usually, with other infections, people tend to get high fevers that often get cured with simple paracetamols or antibiotics if they are a bit more persistent. For Zika, the fevers are never very high. You can expect the temperatures to be in around a hundred degrees Fahrenheit or lesser. Paracetamols may help temporarily, but you will have the fever for some days before it passes.
4. Joint Pains
Another commonly reported symptom is Arthralgia or joint pains. This is more common than fever in people infected with Zika. Joint pains can be treated symptomatically. However, it is difficult to say that one person has Zika from just joint pains. If you are suffering from joint pains only and you do not seem to have other symptoms, then it is probably not a Zika infection. Like with a headache, try to rule out the most common causes that may cause joint pains. Otherwise, you can seek the help of a professional.
5. Eye Redness
Red eyes is a very common symptom of the Zika virus infection. Also, known as conjunctivitis, persistent eye redness, along with irritation occurs when a person is infected with Zika virus.
6. Muscle Pain
Along with fever and joint pains, aching muscles has been reported by people infected with Zika.
7. Back Pain
Back pain is also reported by some patients infected with Zika virus.
8. Temporary paralysis
Temporary paralysis is very rare but is has happened in some cases. These mostly includes the ability to move a part of the body for a short period of time. If you experience temporary paralysis or any sort of paralysis, immediately seek medical help. In Zika infections, not many critical cases have been observed, and cases or paralysis are low. Hence, chances of getting paralysis from something else is more.
9. Fatigue
Most common Zika symptom is fatigue. It comes from the multiple other effects of Zika like muscle pains and fevers. The only way to combat it is by getting enough rest and staying hydrated.
10. No symptoms
Most adults with Zika infections actually have no notable symptoms.
Zika is found to remain in the bloodstream for around seven days. It can be transmitted from the mother to the unborn child, through sexual intercourse or blood transmission. In adults, Zika is mostly harmless, and adults do not get it for the second time. Infants can unborn children can be greatly affected, and microcephaly can ruin the child’s entire life. However, if Zika is cleared from a woman’s blood stream, she won’t be again infected in future and can have a healthy child.
