Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by ‘the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
  2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • 1 only
  • 2 only
  • Both 1 and 2
  • Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Zika Virus
  • Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti, in tropical and subtropical regions. Its name comes from the Ziika Forest of Uganda, where the virus was first isolated in 1947.
  • Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon/ evening. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.
  • Zika virus is also transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and organ transplantation.
  • The infection, known as Zika fever or Zika virus disease, often causes no or only mild symptoms, similar to a very mild form of dengue fever.
  • No vaccine is yet available for the prevention or treatment of Zika virus infection. While there is no specific treatment, paracetamol (acetaminophen) and rest may help with the symptoms.
Zika Virus