The Zika virus

About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika will get sick. For people who get sick, the illness is usually mild. For this reason, many people might not realise that they have been infected. The most common symptoms of the Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms typically begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week.

The Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These are the same mosquitoes that spread Dengue and Chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters, but they can also bite at night. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. Spreading of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact have also been reported.

Currently, South America is seeing a large outbreak of the Zika virus infection, with Brazil reporting the largest outbreak – estimated at over 1 million infections in 2015. Within South East Asia, sporadic cases of the Zika virus have been detected from Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, East Malaysia and Thailand in recent years.

• Reduce the risk of importation of the Zika virus – travellers to countries with the Zika virus infection are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
• Facilitate early detection of cases – returning travellers from affected areas are advised to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of Zika such as fever, skin rashes, joint and muscle pains, headaches and red eyes.
• Contain the spread of Zika virus infection – confirmed cases will be admitted to a public hospital until they recover and test negative for the virus. Admitting them into a single room at the hospital will also minimise their risk of being bitten by mosquitoes while they are carrying the virus, which may result in further local transmission.

• Travellers to countries with local transmission of the Zika virus should take precautions and protect themselves from mosquito bites by:
  • Wearing long sleeves, long trousers and/or appropriate covering clothing
  • Applying insect-repellent . Sleeping under mosquito nets or in rooms with wire-mesh screens to keep out mosquitoes.

If travellers to such countries become unwell, they should seek medical attention promptly. Pregnant women should reconsider their travel plans to countries with ongoing outbreaks and local transmission.

Travellers who have returned from affected areas should monitor their health for the next 14 days and consult a doctor if they have any symptoms of Zika, such as fever, skin rashes, joint and muscle pains, headaches and red eyes. They should inform the doctor of the areas that they have travelled to.

In countries where mosquitos are an on-going problem, the following ‘5-step Mozzie Wipeout’ has proved worthwhile:

1. Changing water in vases and bowls on alternate days
2. Removing water from flower pot plates on alternate days
3. Turning over all water storage containers
4. Covering bamboo pole holders when not in use
5. Keeping gutters clear from blockages and using appropriate insecticide in roof gutters monthly.