An infection with the Zika virus as lately especially apparent in South- and Central America can lead to symptoms such as fever, skin rash, headache, aching joints- and muscles as well as conjunctivitis. There is the assumption that Zika virus infections during pregnancy could lead to congenital malformation.
Virus transmission happens through the bite of the Aedes mosquito, especially the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. The only human-to-human transmissions that have been identified are by sexual contact or at childbirth.
As symptomatic is similar to Dengue- or yellow fever virus (all three belong to the Flaviviridae family), a laboratory diagnostic differentiation should be obtained.
Possible evaluations:
- Direct pathogen evidence in the serum/plasma (2 ml) up to three days after onset of symptoms, in the urine up to two weeks
- Evidence of IgG- and IgM- antibodies in the serum (2 ml) or liquor (0,5 ml) after the first week of illness in case of acute symptoms
Recommendations for travelers as well as further information can be found here:
