Zika virus: symptoms and prevention

Zika virus is just one of the many known diseases transmitted through mosquito bites. Much like other diseases, Zika has a host of symptoms and ill effects that can affect your quality of life if not dealt with immediately. That being said, Zika is easily avoidable. Knowing its origins, its signs and symptoms and its preventive measures can help you protect your family and yourself from any complications of the virus. Find out what Zika virus is and arm yourself with the knowledge to stop its spread.

What is Zika virus?

The Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus and was first discovered in 1947. It is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda. The virus can be transmitted by the Aedes mosquitos from the Aedes (Stegomyia) genus, mainly aedes aegypti, which in Australia, can be found in Queensland. It is not usually found in other parts of Australia.

How is the Zika virus spread?

The Zika virus, like Dengue and Ross River fever viruses, can be spread if you are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. Recent cases have only been linked to travellers from countries where Zika is known.

The Australian government advises travellers to use precautions against mosquito bites when travelling: It’s much more likely for you to get insect-borne illnesses from places with tropical climates such as Asia, Africa, Central America, and the Pacific.

The World Health Organisation have also issued fact sheets on Zika virus that you can use as a reference in case you’re travelling to areas with known cases.

What are the signs and symptoms of Zika virus?

Many people infected with Zika virus do not exhibit symptoms. When symptoms are present, they are usually mild, and may present as fever, rash, muscle and joint pain, headache and conjunctivitis. A Zika rash typically has flat blotches or tiny red bumps. These symptoms are unfortunately general to many viruses. Symptoms generally last for 2-7 days.

Is Zika virus serious?

A Zika infection is generally mild, and deaths or hospitalisation from the virus are rare. However, getting infected with Zika virus during pregnancy can lead to the child getting birth defects, as well as other pregnancy complications such as foetal loss, still birth, or preterm birth. Zika virus can also cause Guillain-Barré syndrome in rare cases. That is why even with the generally mild effects of the virus, we must still do our best to prevent getting it, and treat its symptoms properly should we acquire the virus anyway.

What should I do if I think I have been bitten by a mosquito and think I have the Zika virus?

See your GP or local practitioner. If you are returning from a country that has known Zika virus cases, use mosquito protection measures and see your GP immediately.

How can I prevent being bitten?

Learning how to prevent mosquito bites is key to avoiding Zika virus and its symptoms. The first thing to know is the behaviour of the Aedes mosquito as it is the carrier of the disease.

The Aedes mosquito is a container breeder, so it will lay eggs in small areas/pools of water such as plant pots or water bowls, buckets, puddles. Regularly eliminating or screening any places where water can accumulate within 10 metres of your home will greatly help reduce the problem. Wearing suitable clothing like long sleeves and long pants can also help reduce bites. In addition, use a good insect repellent to avoid being bitten, as the Aedes mosquito likes to bite during the day.

It’s also important to find out why mosquitoes bite so you can execute the proper measures that will make you less likely to be bitten. Some people are just naturally more inclined to get bitten due to certain factors such as CO₂, body temperature, blood type, skin bacteria, and the like. Find out if you’re part of the group who attract more bites naturally and equip yourself accordingly.

Aerogard can help protect you inside and outside your home from mosquitoes and other insects including the Aedes mosquito. The World Health Organisation recommends insect repellent products containing either Deet, Picaridin or IR3535 as the most reliable repellents for mosquito bite prevention.

Aerogard has been trusted by Australian families for decades and offers a range of highly effective products using Deet or Picaridin as active ingredients. Our products are highly effective against mosquitoes. Our tropical strength repellents and 40% Deet Aerogard have high protection against the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and are rigorously tested in Australia for Australian needs. The Tropical Strength range offers products in different forms, including the Aerosol Tropical Strength Spray, and the Aerosol Tropical Strength Roll-on. Aerogard 40% Deet is our longest lasting repellent in intense mosquito activity, and we have it in two sizes - Aerogard 40% Deet 300g and Aerogard 40% Deet 150g.

Disclaimer

Aerogard does not make any warranty that by using these products you will not contract the diseases referred to in this site. Use Aerogard as part of a complete preventative plan and please still take caution. Seek a medical professional for further advice in regard to the above, especially if visiting prone areas.

Anyone can get infected by Zika virus, but by following the preventive measures above, you don’t have to be one of them. Always make sure you’re careful and equipped with the right protection so you don’t get bit by the mosquitoes carrying the virus. And if you’re in an area with active Zika virus cases, exert extra vigilance and avoid mosquito-infested places when possible.

Sources:

Smartraveller. (n.d.). Diseases and health risks. Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/health/diseases
World Health Organization: WHO. (2022, December 8). Zika virus. https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zika-virus
Hecht, M. (2018, September 17). What is a Zika rash? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/zika-rash
Zika symptoms and complications. (2024, May 31). Zika Virus. https://www.cdc.gov/zika/signs-symptoms/index.html