Click here to view the thematic webpage of Zika Virus Infection
Causative agent
Zika virus infection is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Zika virus.
Clinical features
Most Zika virus infection is asymptomatic. For patients with symptoms, they commonly present with skin rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle or joint pain and general malaise. These symptoms are usually mild and last for a few days.
The current major concern is the association with adverse pregnancy outcome (microcephaly) and neurological and autoimmune complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The World Health Organization has concluded that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain abnormalities, including microcephaly, and that Zika virus is a trigger of GBS.
Zika virus is mainly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Aedes aegypti, which is currently not found in Hong Kong, is considered the most important vector for Zika virus transmission to humans. Other Aedes mosquito species such as Aedes albopictus which is commonly found in Hong Kong are also considered as potential vectors.
Zika virus has also been found in human semen and transmission by sexual contact has been confirmed. Sexual transmission of Zika virus between men who have sex with men has been documented in the literature. Other modes of transmission such as blood transfusion and perinatal transmission are possible.The incubation period of Zika virus infection ranges from 3 – 14 days.
Management
There is no specific medication for Zika virus infection and the mainstay of treatment is symptomatic relief and prevention of dehydration. If symptoms worsen, patients should seek medical care and advice.
Prevention
At present, there is no effective vaccine against Zika virus infection. To prevent Zika virus infection, members of the public are reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites and help prevent mosquito proliferation. The public is also advised to take precautions to prevent sexual transmission of Zika virus.
General measures on preventing mosquito-borne diseases
Pregnant women and children of 6 months or older can use DEET-containing insect repellent. For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, children aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a concentration of DEET up to 30%. For details about the use of insect repellents and the key points to be observed, please refer to 'Tips for using insect repellents'.
Prevention of sexual transmission*
*This precautionary measure may be revised as more information becomes available. Individuals with further concerns regarding potential sexual transmission of Zika virus should contact their doctor for advice.
Pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika virus transmission. Women preparing for pregnancy should note Points A and B above. If they or their male sex partners plan to travel to affected areas, they should consult their doctors for advice on the risk. Use of mosquito repellent containing DEET during travel and returning from these areas for a period of at least 21 days are advised for all travellers including pregnant women. Pregnant women are advised to:
|
Help prevent mosquito proliferation
1. Prevent accumulation of stagnant water
2. Control vectors and reservoir of the diseases
For more information about control and prevention of mosquito breeding, please visit the website of Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) http://www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/handbook_prev_mos_breeding.html
Other languages
Bahasa Indonesia Version Bahasa Indonesia |
Tagalog Version Tagalog |
Thai Version ไทย |
Hindi Version हिन्दी |
Nepali Version नेपाली |
Urdu Version اردو |