Zika virus is a mosquito-borne West Nile virus closely related to dengue virus. About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become ill. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week and rarely requires hospitalization, with rare cases of death. The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) for Zika virus disease is not known, but is likely to be a few days to a week. Zika virus usually remains in the blood of an infected person for a few days but it can be found longer in some people. The most common symptoms of Zika are:

● Fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes)

● Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache

There are high suspicions that pregnant women should be wary of being infected with the Zika virus as it is believed to cause microcephaly birth defect in the unborn child. This is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age thus causing their brains to not develop properly.

How is ZIKA Transmitted

The Aedes aegypti is a vector mosquito that transmits several tropical fevers such as dengue fever, chikungunya, zika fever and yellow fever viruses, and other diseases. The mosquito can be recognized by white markings on its legs and a marking in the form of a lyre on the upper surface of the thorax. Only the female bites for blood, which she needs to mature her eggs. To find a host, these mosquitoes are attracted to chemical compounds emitted by mammals. Although the Aedes aegypti most commonly bites at dusk and dawn, they also bite indoors, in shady areas, or when the weather is cloudy, “they can bite and spread infection all year long and at any time of day. The mosquitoes prefer to breed in areas of stagnant water, such as flower vases, uncovered barrels, buckets and discarded tires but the most dangerous areas are wet shower floors and toilet tanks, as they allow the mosquitos to breed in the residence.

Treatment for Zika Virus

● No vaccine or medications are available to prevent or treat Zika infections.

● Simple Treatments:

. Get plenty of rest

. Drink fluids to prevent dehydration

. Take acetaminophen or paracetamol to relieve fever and pain

. Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen. Aspirin and NSAIDs should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of haemorrhage (bleeding). If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication.

● Avoid infection by preventing mosquito bites:

. Use Insect Repellents such as VAPE Skin Mist which has only 5.6% deet and is safe for the entire family, including infants older than 3 months (remember to follow directions for use); this product provides long-lasting protection.

. Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats

● Continue using VAPE Skin Mist even if you have Zika, avoid mosquito bites for the first week of your illness.

. During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites.

. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.

Protect Your Homes from Zika Virus

. Use air conditioning or window/door screens.

. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys or trash containers. Check inside and outside your home.

. Safely use VAPE machines and refills inside.