Mosquitoes as a Vector of Zika

Question 1

explain zika outbreaks

Answer 1

• outbreaks have mainly occurred in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands
• essentially, areas warm in climate

Question 2

explain mosquitoes as diptera

Answer 2

• Piercing-sucking mouth part is crucial for disease vector
• Mosquitoes are one of the most common insects to give humans diseases
• Mosquitoes are hemimetabolous
• Larva form need water to survive!

Question 3

spread of zika

Answer 3

• Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the piercing sucking mouthparts of an infected Aedes species
• Blood transfusion
• Sexual transmission
• From pregnant women to fetus

Question 4

Symptoms of zika

Answer 4

• Many infected people will not experience or have mild symptoms
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Hospitalization or death is rare

Question 5

symptoms of zika - what are the mild symptoms

Answer 5

rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache

Question 6

symptoms of zika - what are the symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome

Answer 6

immune system damages the nerve cells, causing muscle weakness, and sometimes paralysis

Question 7

zika and pregnancy

Answer 7

• No evidence of increased susceptibility
• Increased susceptibility to as miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects
• During a pregnancy Zika can cause congenital Zika syndrome, and severe brain defects of the fetus.

Question 8

Congenital Zika Syndrome - what are the patterns of birth defects

Answer 8

• Microcephaly, Small head size
• Decreased brain tissue with brain damage
• Damage to the back of the eye
• Limited motion range
• Increased muscle tone restricting body movement

Question 9

how may a doctor diagnose zika

Answer 9

• doctors can infer based on symptoms and recent travel
• Blood or urine test can confirm Zika infection
• Laboratory testing for infants

Question 10

how may a doctor treat zika

Answer 10

• No medicine or vaccine to treat, use of medicines to help alleviate symptoms
• Recommendations: Rest, staying hydrated, avoiding anti-inflammatories, use of acetaminophen

Question 11

Mitigation Strategies for zika

Answer 11

• Sterilization
• Controlled pesticides
• Insect avoidance
• Awareness/Education
• Condoms

Question 12

Mitigation Strategies for zika - insect avoidance

Answer 12

• Bug spray
• Staying indoors at night
• Removal/staying away from still water
• Limiting skin exposure
• Avoid high risk areas