As more research is carried out on the Zika virus, it is evident that it has debilitating effects. This places the carrier (vector) of the virus, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, squarely at the centre of this public health emergency as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is the same vector of the dengue and chikungunya viruses.

Transmission of the Zika virus is through the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. The female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people once they bite them. Remember, these female mosquitoes require blood meals to fertilise their eggs and are aggressive daytime biters but can also bite at night.

Recent research has now shown that the Zika virus can also be spread through sexual intercourse. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the Zika virus can be spread by a man who has been infected with the Zika virus to his sex partners. The CDC points out that based on the cases identified, the virus can be spread while the man has symptoms, before symptoms start and after symptoms resolve. If your male partner has become infected with the Zika virus, both of you are advised to use condoms or not have sex for at least six months after symptoms begin. If your male partner has travelled to an area with Zika but did not develop symptoms of the virus, both of you are still advised to consider using condoms or not have sex for at least eight weeks afterhis return. This should be the case especially if the female partner is pregnant to prevent any possible effect on the unborn child, as birth defects have been associated with Zika virus infection.

A woman infected with the Zika virus near the time of delivery can pass on the virus to her newborn around the time of birth. A pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her fetus during pregnancy. To date, the CDC has not reported any case of the Zika virus being transmitted through breastfeeding.

Zika virus symptoms are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, which include fever, rash, joint pain or conjunctivitis (red eyes) without the pus. Once you begin to experience these symptoms, you are advised to see your health care provider as soon as possible.

One of the main ways of minimising your risk of becoming infected with the Zika virus is to get rid of any potential mosquito breeding sites around your homes, workplaces, churches, and schools. The eggs or larvae of the Aedes aegypti mosquito must not be allowed to thrive if we are to minimise this threat. Let’s all fight ZIKV.

For more information on the zika virus, mosquito breeding sites and other related material visit the Ministry of Health’s website at www.moh.gov.jm