Things You Should Know About the Zika Virus

February 4, 2016

Scientists in Colorado State University’s Arthropod-borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory are provided seven things we should know about the Zika virus.
1. The Aedes aegypti, is the main culprit spreading the virus. This mosquito lives in tropical environments and feeds mostly, if not exclusively, on human blood, said Rebekah Kading, CSU assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology.

“Aedes aegypti is known to feed more frequently, which leads to more virus transmission,” she said. It has everything it needs in a household environment and it is very well-adapted to being around people. In its early stages, the mosquito develops in containers of water.

2. People who have had the Zika virus describe the symptoms as similar to having a migraine. Brian Foy, associate professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, said when he came down with the Zika virus in 2008, he had a really bad headache and that light bothered his eyes. He also had arthritis-like pain in his wrists, ankles and thumb joints. “Having the flu was much worse,” Foy said. “But everybody is different.”

3. To prevent mosquito bites in general, use insect repellant and consider using one with DEET, which experts say provides the best protection against mosquitos. Kading said that you should dump water standing in containers in or near your home and wear long sleeves and pants if you’re heading to a place that has mosquitos. If you really want to play it safe, wear a hat with netting that covers your head. Kading said that when she was conducting research on mosquitos in salt marshes on the East Coast, she bundled up and sported a head net.

4. The virus thrives in tropical climates, which made the outbreak possible in Central and Southern America. Foy said it’s unlikely to have the same scale of virus transmission in colder countries like the US. In those countries, transmission comes from people travelling overseas. “Local transmission is not likely at all,” Foy said. “We don’t have the Aedes aegypti [in the US].”

5. There is some evidence that the virus can be transmitted sexually. On Feb. 2, Dallas County Health and Human Services confirmed a Zika virus case acquired through sexual transmission.

6. Potential solutions for stopping the Zika virus go beyond developing a vaccine. Foy said that there is new, interesting technology that aims to stop the virus spread within mosquitos. In addition, researchers are trying to target infected mosquitos instead of the entire population.

There are also new genetic strategies aimed at tackling the virus. “We are eager to get research implemented in the field,” said Foy, who is collaborating with Richard Bowen, professor in the CSU Department of Biomedical Sciences, on research to identify an animal model to better study the Zika virus.

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