Zika Virus

Zika Virus- Transmission routes

Through mosquito

Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes, in particular Aedes aegypti, whose habitat includes countries in the tropical region. Aedes mosquitoes are also responsible for outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya and yellow fever.

The placenta route

The zika virus migrates from the mother's bloodstream to the placenta. Then the virus develops and spread to the fetal brain. The virus crossed the mother's bloodstream, to infect the developing brain of the fetus, resulting in nerve damage. The virus not only migrates to the placenta, but also multiplies. Usually zika virus infection with this route, occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy1.

The amniotic bag route

The amniotic sac is a pair of transparent membranes that are strong but thin, as a protector of the developing fetus. Epithelial cells from the amniotic membrane surrounding the fetus are very susceptible to zika virus infection. This shows that these cells play an important role in mediating the transmission of the zika virus to the fetus and supports the hypothesis that transmission can occur through membranes. Usually, zika virus infection with this route occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Through sex

Speaking of other methods of transmission of Zika virus, the disease is not transmitted either by airborne droplets or by personal contact with a patient. However, in the United States, a case of sexual transmission of the virus has been described. Scientists have confirmed that one case of infection after sexual contact was recorded, but such evidence was not massively recorded, therefore, there is no reason to state that there is a 100% risk of this method of transmission of the virus2.

Through blood transfusion

Zika can be transmitted through blood in any kind of blood transmission or transfusion.

How to prevent ?

This first thing is to prevent one from mosquito bites and for that any repellent can be use. The transmission of the zika virus from infected mothers, to the fetus on both potential routes, thereby cause birth defects3 . Condoms can be used to prevent sexually transmitted disease. Screened and tested blood must be use if required.

References

1. Revised Recommendations for Reducing the Risk of Zika ...

https://www.fda.gov/media/99797/download. Accessed December 18, 2019.

2. Prevention and Transmission. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html. Published May 20, 2019. Accessed December 18, 2019.

3. Preventing Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus Infection during Pregnancy, Puerto Rico,

USA, 2016 - Volume 25, Number 11-November 2019 - Emerging Infectious Diseases journal - CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/25/11/19-0915_article. Accessed December 18, 2019.