Intended Audience

Zika Virus is an endemic disease in some parts of the world, primarily spreading in tropical and subtropical regions. Displaying this infographic in a visible spot inside outpatient rooms, especially at the travel clinic, for example, could help educate patients about the risks of the Zika virus and how to stay safe if they are traveling to certain areas. The intended audience of this infographic is people 12 and older since it is simple and easy to understand and for those traveling to areas where Zika may be spreading. Public health officials could also reach the intended audience by sharing the infographic on their social media pages and advertising to those traveling to countries where there are current outbreaks.

Zika Virus Spread

Zika Virus is spread by the bite of a mosquito, specifically from an infected Aedes species mosquito. It could also be spread if a person has had intercourse with another person infected with Zika, even if they haven’t experienced any symptoms. Aedes species mosquitos lay eggs in or near standing water and bite people during the day and night (CDC, 2019). The infection persists in mosquitos when they bite an infected human during the first week of the human’s infection.

As mentioned in the infographic, if a pregnant woman is infected with Zika, then the developing fetus may develop birth defects. They are advised to avoid traveling to certain areas where there are active Zika outbreaks. Microcephaly, incomplete brain development, is an example of a birth defect that may occur (CDC, 2019). If you have traveled to an area where there is an outbreak or a high risk of contracting the Zika virus and have experienced symptoms, you should get tested for it. Testing should occur while the symptoms are still present (Musso and Gubler, 2016).

Notes from Epidemiology (PUB-205) on Zika Virus

Symptoms

A few of the symptoms of the Zika virus are fever, rash, headache, and joint pain. These symptoms are very similar to other illnesses and are not specific to Zika, which may lead to misdiagnosis. The symptoms could last for a few days to a week (CDC, 2019). To help prevent Zika infection, one could wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, use EPA-registered insect repellent and stay in places with air conditioning or window and door screens. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas where current outbreaks are using the CDC’s Zika travel map (CDC, 2022).

Treatment

Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika virus infections. It is recommended to take acetaminophen for fever and pain, antihistamines for rashes, and drink plenty of fluids (Musso and Gubler, 2016). This infographic would be beneficial to display at the travel clinic or in other clinical settings.

 

 

Citations:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). General Zika Information. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/zika/general-information.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022).  Zika Travel Information. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CDC. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Zika Virus: Symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/symptoms.html

Musso, D., & Gubler, D. J. (2016). Zika Virus. Clinical microbiology reviews, 29(3), 487–524. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00072-15