Zika rash is a characteristic of zika fever, which is caused by the Zika Virus. This virus is spread by the bite of Anopheles mosquito. This same mosquito is responsible for the occurrence of dengue and chikungunya. This illness is very mild, unlike the other listed diseases, and the symptoms last for a few days to a week. The common symptoms include fever, joint and muscle pain, conjunctivitis and rashes.

This virus was first isolated from Zika forest in Uganda and hence the name. This virus was known to infect people in Africa only for a long time, with minor outbreaks in some parts of Asia. Later, in 2007, a major outbreak occurred in Island of Yap, with around 75% of the population of the country getting infected by the virus. In 2014, this virus was known to infect people in Chile as well and this infection continued till June 2014.

Then this virus was confirmed in Brazil in May 2015. And since October 2015, cases have been reported in various parts of America.

Symptoms

Not all the people infected with the Zika Virus show the symptoms. The symptoms are usually seen in about 1 out of 5 infected cases. All the symptoms of this condition are mild. The common symptoms include rashes, fever, conjunctivitis and muscle and joint pain. The symptoms are also associated with general malaise, which begins a few days later the bite of the mosquito. As stated earlier, the symptoms are similar to that of dengue or chikungunya but are in a very milder form.

The rashes in this condition are of maculopapular form. These are small red rashes which are usually flat but have little bumps are particular places. Maculopapular is made up of two words; macule and papule. Macules are small red spots, discoloured and flat, which are present in discrete manner. Papules are slightly raised erythematous small patches. The rashes present in zika infection present both type of rashes. The rashes start appearing on the face and later spread to the rest of the body. The rashes start appearing on the first day of the appearance of symptoms and reach their peak level on the second or third day.

The rashes of zika fever do not leave any scar or spot behind. The skin returns to being normal after the illness subsides.

Earlier, there were no associated neurological or autoimmune complications seen. But recently, some complications have been reported in Brazil and Polynesia. Due to its rapid spread in the world nowadays, it is of serious concern to understand the disease better.

In pregnant women, this disease is known to cause microcephaly in the infant. Microcephaly is a serious disorder characterized by small size of skull and less development of brain. Hence it is important for pregnant women to avoid this infection.

Prevention

There is no vaccine or medication available so far that can avoid zika infection. This infection can only be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites. The mosquito responsible for zika infection bites during the daytime generally. The same mosquito is responsible for causing dengue and chikungunya. Here, we have listed a few methods by which you can prevent mosquito bites, which will prevent the spread of infection:

• Use a mosquito net while sleeping
• Try wearing long sleeve clothes and full length pants. The more you cover your body, lesser will be the chances of mosquito bite.
• Use nets on windows and doors to keep mosquito out of the house or room.
• Use proper insect repellent regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply accordingly.
• Use sunscreen before applying insect repellent.

Transmission

The disease is transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquito. The mosquito bites an infected individual and then bites a healthy individual to spread the infection. There is not much of information about its transmission from the mother to child. Studies are being made on this. However, there are evidences of transfer of other viral infections from mother to child. It can also spread by blood transfusion and sexual contact.

Diagnosis

The symptoms of this disease are very similar to that of dengue and chikungunya. Therefore it is very difficult to diagnose this condition only on the basis of history and symptoms. The diagnosis is made by performing some blood tests also. Virological PCR tests are performed to diagnose the condition in the earlier days of the infection. In later days, the diagnosis is done using serological tests.

Treatment

Zika rash as such does not need any treatment, because they can away on their own.  For the overall condition, there is no cure, the treatment focusses on relieving the symptoms. The affected person needs to take adequate rest. Drink plenty of water. To relieve pain, use acetaminophen instead of any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The other drugs of NSAID group can cause internal haemorrhage and can thus complicate the condition. Fever generally causes weakness after its occurrence. Use ORS to prevent weakness and lethargy.

Zika Rash – Pictures