Zika Virus
• In addition to the bite of the Aedes mosquito, Zika can also be transmitted sexually, via blood transfusion, or from a pregnant mother to her fetus.
• Since 2007, large outbreaks of Zika infection have occurred in the Pacific Islands, Central/South America, Mexico, Africa, and Asia.
Most cases in the US have involved travelers; however, mosquito- borne transmission has occurred in Texas and Florida.DIAGNOSIS
Clinical Presentation
Most infections are asymptomatic. Fever, maculopapular rash, conjunctivitis, arthralgias, and headache are common. Complications include neurologic disease (including Guillain-Barre syndrome) and microcephaly and fetal loss in pregnant women (congenital Zika infection).
Diagnostic Testing
PCR testing for acute infection, and acute and convalescent serology for recent infection.
TREATMENT
Treatment is symptomatic.51 Pregnant women should avoid travel to Zika-infected areas. Consult the CDC website for updated information at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-information.