What is Zika?

Zika is an illness caused by the Zika virus. Most people only get mild symptoms, but it can cause serious problems during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman gets Zika, the virus can reach her unborn baby and may cause serious birth defects, especially problems with the baby's brain.

One of the most serious problems linked to Zika during pregnancy is microcephaly, where the baby’s head is much smaller than normal because the brain did not grow well. Zika can also cause other long-lasting problems with the baby's brain and development.

How does the Zika virus spread?

Zika can spread in the following ways:

• Mosquito bites: This is the most common way Zika spreads. The virus is spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes, which bite mostly during the day but can also bite at night. These mosquitoes live inside and outside. The virus usually stays in a person’s blood for about 7 days, sometimes longer.
• From mother to baby: A pregnant woman can give the virus to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. The virus can pass through the placenta, which gives the baby oxygen and food through the umbilical cord.
• Sexual contact:
  • Zika can spread through sex.
  • An infected man can pass the virus through semen
  • An infected woman can pass it through vaginal fluids or menstrual blood
• Blood transfusion or laboratory exposure: Although rare, Zika has been spread through blood transfusions or by accident in labs or hospitals.

Where does Zika occur?

Zika has been found in parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. Health groups like the CDC often update maps showing where Zika is found.

If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, do not travel to places with Zika unless you really have to. Always talk to your doctor before you travel and be very careful to avoid mosquito bites and sex that could spread the virus.

How can you protect yourself from Zika?

Right now, there is no vaccine or special medicine for Zika. The best way to stay safe is to prevent it.

1. Avoid travel: If possible, avoid traveling to areas where Zika is spreading. If you must travel, speak with your doctor and carefully follow steps to prevent mosquito bites.
2. Prevent mosquito bites: Use insect repellent and wear clothing that covers your skin. See below for more details.
3. Practice safe sex: If you or your partner has visited a place with Zika, either avoid sex or always use condoms.
4. Workplace safety: Healthcare and laboratory workers should follow safety rules carefully. This includes wearing gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and washing hands properly.
5. Blood donation precautions: Do not give blood or umbilical cord blood if you have Zika. Wait at least 120 days, or follow local blood bank rules, after symptoms or a positive test before donating.
6. Sperm donation considerations: If you are using donor sperm, talk to your doctor. Donors are checked for travel history, but regular Zika testing may not always be done.

How to prevent mosquito bites?

• Use insect repellent: Use bug sprays approved by the EPA that have DEET (20% or more), picaridin, or IR3535. These are safe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Put on sunscreen first, then bug spray.
• Protect children: Do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children under 3 years old. Most other bug sprays are safe for babies older than 2 months. Do not put bug spray on their hands, eyes, or mouth.
• Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, shoes, and hats. You can treat clothes with permethrin, but do not put permethrin directly on your skin.
• Keep mosquitoes out: Stay in rooms with air conditioning or use window and door screens that do not have holes.
• Remove standing water: Every week, empty or cover things like buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, and pet bowls.
• Use mosquito nets: Use mosquito nets treated with permethrin when sleeping outside or in rooms without screens. You can also put nets over baby cribs and strollers.

How does Zika affect pregnancy?

If a woman gets Zika while pregnant, the baby may get Congenital Zika Syndrome, which can include:

• Microcephaly (abnormally small head)
• Brain damage and problems with the nervous system
• Poor growth before birth
• Pregnancy loss, including miscarriage or stillbirth

What are the symptoms of Zika?

About 80% of people with Zika do not have any symptoms. When symptoms do happen, they are usually mild and last a few days to a week.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Skin rash
• Pain in the joints or muscles
• Red eyes (also called conjunctivitis)
• Headache

Symptoms usually appear 3–14 days after exposure.

There is no special medicine for Zika. Treatment means getting rest, drinking fluids, and taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) for pain or fever. Do not take aspirin or NSAIDs until a doctor makes sure you do not have dengue.

When is it safe to plan pregnancy after Zika exposure?

To lower the risk to the baby, experts say you should wait:

• Women: At least 8 weeks after symptoms begin or after possible exposure
• Men: At least 3 months after symptoms or exposure before trying to conceive

Although Zika stays in the blood for only a short time, it can stay in semen much longer.

Should pregnant women be tested for Zika?

Testing may be recommended if a pregnant woman has been exposed or has symptoms. Your doctor may suggest:

1. Blood and urine tests to detect the virus or antibodies
2. Ultrasound scans to monitor baby’s head size and brain development
3. Amniocentesis, in selected cases only, after careful counseling

Women living in or traveling to Zika-affected areas may need repeat testing during pregnancy, even without symptoms.

Do you need a specialist during pregnancy?

Yes. Pregnant women with Zika exposure may be referred to:

• A maternal-fetal medicine specialist (high-risk pregnancy expert)
• An infectious disease specialist

These doctors help closely monitor both mother and baby.

Are babies tested for Zika at birth?

Babies are tested only if:

• They have birth defects linked to Zika
• The mother tested positive or had inconclusive results during pregnancy
• The mother was exposed but not tested

Testing may include the baby’s blood, urine, or placental tissue.

Can you breastfeed if you have Zika?

Yes. Although Zika virus has been detected in breast milk, there is no evidence that breastfeeding spreads the infection. The benefits of breastfeeding are significant, and mothers are encouraged to continue breastfeeding.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Zika Virus treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced care for Zika Virus infection in Lucknow, India. We have a team of experienced physicians, infectious disease specialists, and obstetricians for pregnancy-related cases. We provide accurate diagnosis through blood tests and clinical evaluation, along with personalized supportive treatment and close monitoring. Our care focuses on symptom relief, preventing complications, and special monitoring for pregnant women to protect fetal health. Our team works together to ensure safe recovery and complete, compassionate care for improved health outcomes.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Zika Virus treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back