Infection with the mosquito-borne Zika virus is usually mild or even unnoticed. However, infection during pregnancy can result in severe skull malformations in the baby (microcephaly). Which countries are considered Zika risk areas and how can travelers protect themselves?
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Safety when travelling: the risk of infection lurks here
What is Zika virus?
The Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the flavivirus family and is similar to the viruses that Dengue fever, West Nile fever and yellow fever cause. It was first isolated and described in a monkey in Uganda 40 years ago. However, experts only classified the Zika virus as a dangerous pathogen for humans in 2007. The virus last came into focus in 2015, when numerous infections occurred in South and Central America as well as the Caribbean and Mexico.
Contagion: how is the Zika virus transmitted?
The Zika virus is caused by mosquitoes of the species Temples of the Egyptians (yellow fever mosquito) and other species of the Aedes genus. The mosquitoes, which also transmit other tropical diseases such as dengue fever, are mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions.
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) found in southern Germany also belongs to the Aedes genus. However, experts are not yet sure whether the mosquito can pass on the Zika virus under the conditions prevailing in Germany. So far, no cases of infection by tiger mosquitoes are known in Germany.
Direct transmission of the Zika virus from person to person, for example during sexual intercourse, is also possible. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass the pathogens on to the unborn child via the placenta.
Zika Virus: Symptoms of Infection
Most Zika virus infections are reversible asymptomatic and therefore go unnoticed. Only about one in five infected people show signs of illness. These appear after an incubation period, i.e. the period from infection to the onset of the disease, of three to twelve days. Typical symptoms include:
The symptoms, which are generally characterized as mild, usually subside on their own after about a week. In rare cases, however, an infection can take a serious course. Then you can do this, for example Guillain-Barré-Syndrome appear. The severe neurological disease begins with paralysis of the legs, which can spread to the arms and face.
How dangerous is the Zika virus during pregnancy?
Zika virus infection is harmless for most people. Because the virus during a pregnancy but can be transmitted to the unborn baby, dangerous complications for the child are possible. Current research confirms that Zika virus infection increases immediately before or during pregnancy miscarriages and child malformations.
Especially with infections during the first trimester of pregnancy there is an increased risk of developing a so-called microcephaly. Experts understand this to mean a malformation in which the child’s head is significantly smaller than usual. Under certain circumstances, the disease can also be accompanied by a mental disability. Rarely, affected children also show neurological abnormalities such as speech disorders, balance disordershyperactivity or epileptic seizures observed.
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In addition to Zika viruses, other viruses can also cause microcephaly. infections with rubella or the Zytomegalie-Virus during pregnancy can also lead to birth defects in the child.
Diagnosis: How can Zika virus infection be detected?
The suspicion of a Zika virus infection arises in travelers returning from a risk area and showing the corresponding symptoms. In the first few days after the onset of symptoms, an infection can be detected directly in the urine or blood, later antibody diagnostics are possible.
A blood test is required for pregnant women or men returning from a trip with a pregnant sexual partner antibody recommended even if there are no symptoms of illness. The same applies to couples who want to have children who have previously stayed in a risk area. The blood samples can be submitted to the general practitioner or gynecological practice or to a tropical medicine outpatient clinic. From there they are sent to a laboratory for further examination.
Treatment of Zika virus infection
So far, there are no drugs that can be used to specifically treat a Zika virus infection. Painkillers and antipyretics can be given to relieve symptoms. In addition, those who are ill should allow themselves plenty of rest and make sure they drink enough fluids.
In infected pregnant women should use ultrasound examination the growth and anatomy of the unborn child are regularly monitored. For this, affected women are usually referred to specialists in maternal-fetal medicine or infectious diseases.
After birth the development of the child’s brain must continue to be monitored regularly – regardless of whether the infant was born with microcephaly or not.
Risk areas: Where is the Zika virus spread?
There is a risk of infection with the Zika virus, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Some of the countries that have already experienced major outbreaks include:
- Colombia
- The Savior
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Panama
- Puerto Rico
- Paraguay
- Venezuela
Before traveling to the tropics or areas close to the tropics, travelers should register online, for example on the Website des Centers for Disease Control and Prevention inform about the risk of Zika infection in the holiday destination. This is especially true for women who are pregnant or planning to have a child.
Is a Zika epidemic conceivable in Germany?
Since 2013, there have been isolated cases of Zika virus infections brought in by long-distance travelers in Germany. However, it is very unlikely that the Zika virus will be able to spread further in Germany due to the few imported infections due to the prevailing climate.
How can Zika virus infection be prevented?
In principle, travelers in the affected regions should protect themselves carefully against mosquito bites, as there is no vaccination or preventive medication against the virus.
To keep mosquitoes away, it is recommended
- wear light-colored clothing that is as close-fitting as possible
- turn on the air conditioning in closed rooms,
- to hang impregnated mosquito nets and
- protect exposed areas of skin with mosquito repellent spray, which is also suitable for tropical mosquitoes.
To prevent malformations in children, the World Health Organization (WHO) also advises the following precautionary measures:
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Women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant It is generally not recommended to travel to a risk area. If the trip cannot be avoided, pregnant women should seek advice from tropical or travel medicine beforehand and ensure consistent mosquito repellent.
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women who wish to have children should refrain from unprotected sex that could lead to pregnancy for at least two months after their return.
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male sexual partners should be for at least three months Condom used because the Zika virus can survive in the semen for so long and it can be sexually transmitted to the partner.
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couples who wish to have childrenwho have stayed in a risk area should generally wait at least three months before conceiving.
From the 28th day after returning from the holiday region, it is possible to have a test for Zika virus antibodies carried out.
Protection against mosquito bites: you should pay attention to this
