Zika Virus: A Villain for Unborn Children

Zika Virus: A Villain for Unborn Children

Mosquitoes are more dangerous than tigers… who agrees?

Listen to this story about why mosquitoes are worse than tigers. The Zika virus disease is a well-known disease, but it's not actually new. It was first discovered in 1947 when the virus was detected in monkeys from the Zika forest in Uganda, and named Zika virus. The disease then became a worldwide epidemic. Thailand reported its first confirmed case in 2012, with an average of five cases per year. In 2015, it was found that Zika virus infection in pregnant mothers was associated with small birth defects. This is really scary!

From the start of 2016 until the start of September, there have been 279 cases reported. However, there have been no cases reported in Thailand of babies born with small heads to mothers who have been infected with the Zika virus.

How is the Zika virus transmitted?

A member of the RNA virus group, the Zika virus is transmitted through Aedes mosquitoes, which also carry other diseases like Dengue Fever, Encephalitis Virus, Yellow Fever, and West Nile Fever. This is why mosquitoes are worse than tigers!

Most cases of Zika virus infections occur through mosquito bites, and the virus can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Research shows that the virus can be present in semen for up to 180 days, which means abstaining from sex for that period is necessary for those with Zika. The virus can also be contracted through exposure to infected blood and can even be transmitted from mother to fetus.

Symptoms of Zika Virus

Rewritten:

Of those infected with the Zika virus, 80% do not display symptoms, while the remaining 20% experience various symptoms. The most common symptom, affecting about 90% of symptomatic patients, is a rash known as maculopapular rash. Other symptoms include a low-grade fever (37.8C-38.7C), conjunctivitis (without eye discharge), joint pain, headache, and, in rare cases, neurological signs and muscle weakness.

The majority of these symptoms are mild and resolve on their own, so there is generally no need for concern if Zika develops in the general population. However, if contracted by pregnant women, the virus may cause microcephaly in the fetus. Furthermore, infection at a younger gestational age can result in smaller fetuses with more severe brain abnormalities than those infected later in pregnancy.

• Which pregnant women are eligible for testing for Zika virus infection?

The following symptoms in pregnant women should be noted:

1. Maculopapular rash with at least one of the following symptoms: fever, joint pain, and red eyes.

2. Fever with at least two of the following symptoms: headache, joint pain, and red eyes.

3. Presence of maculopapular rash in a person who has lived or traveled to an area where confirmed Zika virus cases have been reported and is still in the disease control period (28 days).

For examination, blood and/or urine samples must be taken according to the duration of symptoms and sent to the Department of Medical Sciences.

• How is this disease treated?

The current situation is that there are no vaccines or specific drugs for treating Zika virus infection. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms. For instance, if you have a fever, you can take paracetamol to reduce it, or use calamine for a rash. The symptoms typically resolve on their own within 5-7 days.

In terms of treating pregnant women infected with Zika virus, the approach is generally similar to that for non-pregnant individuals, depending on the symptoms. However, it is important to monitor fetal head size with ultrasound. Even if the fetus is found to have a small head size, there are currently no drugs or treatments available. For babies diagnosed with abnormalities, the best option is to offer prayers and hope for a healthy birth. If neurological symptoms are absent after birth, pediatricians will have to continue monitoring the baby's development.

• Important to protect yourself!

Rewritten: "As there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Zika virus, the following measures can be taken:

1. Mosquito eradication: The Department of Disease Control's 3-step method, including cleaning up the house, collecting garbage, and collecting stagnant water, should be followed.

2. Prevent mosquito bites: Pregnant women should apply mosquito repellent, with a focus on herbal remedies such as lemongrass.

3. Abstinence from sex: Individuals with Zika virus infection should abstain from sex for six months, as the virus can be detected in semen for up to 180 days. Alternatively, they should use a condom during sexual activity.

It is crucial for any pregnant woman experiencing symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes not to neglect seeking medical attention.

It is essential to be aware of the severity of the situation, but there is no need to panic when asked, "Are mosquitoes worse than tigers?"

Best wishes

Dr. Ruchirek Ketthong, Obstetrician and Gynecologist (Maternal Fetal Medicine)