Zika virus infection is a virus spread by mosquitoes that normally has no symptoms but can occasionally result in fever, rash, joint pain, or an infection of the membrane covering the white of the eye (conjunctivitis, or pinkeye). Microcephaly (a serious birth defect) and eye abnormalities in the baby can be brought on by zika virus infection in a pregnant woman.
The zika virus is spread by mosquitoes, but it can also be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. Microcephaly and other congenital malformations in the infant, such as limb contractures, high muscle tone, eye abnormalities, and hearing loss, are caused by zika virus infection during pregnancy. Congenital zika syndrome is the name given to these clinical features as a whole.
Most zika virus victims exhibit no symptoms, and many are unaware that they are infected. If they do, they normally begin 3–14 days after infection and persist 2–7 days on average. Infections that are severe enough to demand hospitalisation are rare. Zika virus seldom results in death.
Guillain-barre syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis can also be brought on by the zika virus, especially in adults and older children. A nerve condition known as Guillain-Barre syndrome results in temporary sensory loss or pins-and-needles sensations as well as muscle weakness.
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