What is Zika?
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that is spread by the Aedes species of mosquito, the mosquito is also responsible for the transmission of dengue and chikungunya viruses.
Unlike malaria-carrying mosquitos, this species is mostly active during the day. These mosquitos can survive in both indoor and outdoor environments.
The two known species responsible for Zika transmission are the Aedes albopictus, known as the Asian Tiger mosquito, and the Aedes aegypti species.
While the symptoms of Zika typically pass within the space of a week, there have been recent concerns about the virus that are due to a potential link between Zika and birth defects such as microcephaly.
Symptoms of Zika virus
Signs and symptoms of Zika virus are vague and can last for up to a week. Diagnosis of the virus is typically confirmed with a blood test.
Symptoms of Zika virus include:
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Vomiting
For more info please refer to Ministry of Health website.