Belize's Zika-Free Environment

Belize has been identified as a Zika risk area by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Zika virus is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, which is prevalent in Belize. While many people infected with Zika do not exhibit symptoms or only experience mild ones, infection during pregnancy can cause birth defects in the fetus. As of August 2017, there have been reports of mosquitoes in Belize infected with Zika and spreading it to people.

Zika is spread by mosquito bites and sexual transmission

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus, with the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species being the most common carriers. These mosquitoes are found throughout the Americas and usually bite during the day. The Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 and has since spread to Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. While Zika virus infections typically cause mild symptoms such as rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache, they can have severe consequences for pregnant women and their fetuses. Infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations, as well as increase the risk of preterm birth and miscarriage.

The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, but it can also be spread through sexual transmission. Sexual transmission of the Zika virus can occur through anal, oral, or vaginal sex with an infected partner. The virus can remain in the semen and urine for longer periods than in the bloodstream, so it is important for those who have been infected or exposed to the virus to take precautions to prevent sexual transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that people in regions with active Zika transmission receive information about the risks of sexual transmission and take appropriate precautions, such as using condoms correctly and consistently or abstaining from sexual activity during pregnancy.

To prevent the spread of Zika through mosquito bites, it is important to take measures to protect against mosquito bites, especially in regions with active transmission. This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to limit skin exposure, staying in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms, and using mosquito netting and insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Zika is dangerous for pregnant women as it can cause severe birth defects

Zika is a dangerous virus for pregnant women as it can cause severe birth defects. The virus can cause serious damage to the developing foetal brain when infection occurs during pregnancy, leading to brain abnormalities and microcephaly. Microcephaly is a condition where babies are born with small heads and brain damage. Other birth defects associated with Zika include eye abnormalities, joint contractures, and potentially other disabilities.

The Zika Birth Defects Surveillance system identified and collected data on birth defects that might be related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy. This system monitored infants with birth defects that might be associated with Zika virus infection, regardless of their laboratory tests. It was found that between 5%-14% of pregnant people infected with Zika gave birth to children with signs of congenital Zika syndrome, and 4%-6% had children with microcephaly.

While the percentage of children being born with microcephaly to mothers who contracted Zika is lower than initially thought, researchers are finding that children who are born asymptomatic can develop Zika-related problems later on. Babies with Zika who seem fine at birth can exhibit issues with seizures, vision and brain development in their first year and beyond. Timing seems important, with mothers infected in the first trimester being two to three times more likely to have babies with complications.

The full range of developmental disabilities and other adverse outcomes associated with congenital Zika virus infection can only be determined by following up with infants and children as they develop. Many infants with congenital Zika virus infection and severe microcephaly will have profound developmental delays and face significant challenges. Therefore, it is essential to closely monitor developmental milestones throughout the child's first years of life.

There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika

There is currently no vaccine or medicine for Zika. However, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is developing multiple vaccine candidates to prevent Zika virus infection. These include:

• A DNA-based vaccine developed by scientists at NIAID's Vaccine Research Center (VRC).
• A purified inactivated Zika vaccine called ZPIV, developed by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR).
• An investigational live, attenuated Zika vaccine, known as rZIKV/D4Δ30-713, developed by scientists in NIAID’s Laboratory of Viral Diseases.
• Investigational mRNA vaccines (a gene-based platform similar to DNA vaccines).
• A vaccine designed to protect against multiple mosquito-borne diseases, including Zika, called AGS-v, developed by the London-based pharmaceutical company SEEK.
• An investigational Zika vaccine that uses a genetically engineered version of the vesicular stomatitis virus.

Although there is no vaccine or medicine for Zika, travelers can take steps to prevent getting infected with the virus. These include:

• Preventing mosquito bites by using EPA-registered insect repellents, covering exposed skin, and staying in places with air conditioning or with window and door screens.
• Preventing sexual transmission by using condoms or abstaining from sex.
• Continuing to take precautions after returning home to stop the spread of Zika to others.

Zika symptoms are mild or non-existent for most people

Most people infected with the Zika virus do not develop any symptoms, and those who do usually experience mild symptoms that last for 2-7 days. The most common symptoms of Zika include:

• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• Skin rash
• Fever
• Muscle and joint pain
• Malaise
• Headache

The Zika virus is generally mild, and hospitalisation is uncommon. However, it can cause serious complications during pregnancy, including microcephaly and other congenital malformations in the infant, preterm birth, and miscarriage. In rare cases, Zika may also cause Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition where the immune system attacks nerve cells, leading to muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.

Zika is not a big health risk for healthy adults

Zika is not a significant health risk for healthy adults because most people infected with the virus do not develop any symptoms. The symptoms that do appear are usually mild and last for about 2–7 days. These include a rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headaches.

However, it is important to note that Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious complications, such as microcephaly and other congenital malformations in infants. Zika infection has also been associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis in adults and children.

Zika virus is primarily transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, which are most active during the day. The virus can also spread through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and possibly organ transplantation.

While there is currently no vaccine or medicine to treat Zika, prevention measures include protecting oneself from mosquito bites and practicing safe sex, especially for pregnant women and those of reproductive age.

Frequently asked questions