All you need to know about the Zika virus

The world’s been buzzing about the Zika virus affecting many people worldwide. Here are 15 facts that will tell you all you need to know about the disease that has run rampant:

1. The Zika virus is carried by the Aedesaegypti mosquito, which can carry infected blood from one person to another as well as the disease itself.

2. The Adesaegypti mosquito can be found in South Africa, although the species is significantly different to that of the mosquito carrying the virus, and is also responsible for carrying diseases like dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

3. You can prevent being bitten by mosquitoes by applying a good mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants to cover your body, sleeping with mosquito nets or staying in places with window and door screens or barriers.

4. One in five people bitten by a carrier mosquito will become infected.

5. The disease is endemic to the Caribbean, Central and South America, with most people infected in Brazil.

6. Between 500 000 and 1.5 million people have been infected by the virus in Brazil.

7. Pregnant mothers should be especially aware of the virus as is has been connected to the development of microcephaly in unborn children, which stunts skull and brain development and may result in deformities, shortened life span, development problems and seizures in infants.

8. Microcephaly can be detected through an ultrasound examination.

9. It is possible the virus can be sexually transmitted although more evidence is needed to confirm this.

10. The Zika virus has been declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO)

11. Symptoms of the Zika virus include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes), and can last up to a week. Symptoms my appear two to seven days after being bitten by a carrier mosquito. Symptoms are usually mild with illness requiring hospitalization occurring rarely.

12. There is currently no vaccination or medication for the virus and there won’t be any available to the general public for several years.

13. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys. The first human report was also in Uganda in 1952.

14. The virus is not likely to come to South Africa, however those travelling to affected areas and those in contact with people travelling should take precautions or possibly postpone travelling plans until further notice.

15. Map of affected territories

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