Zika virus is an infectious disease caused by a virus.
Understanding the Zika Virus
Here's a breakdown of the Zika virus:
- What it is: As stated in the provided reference, Zika is an infectious disease caused by a virus. This means it's not a bacterial or fungal infection, but rather it is caused by a tiny, non-cellular particle that can invade cells and replicate within them.
- How it spreads: Zika is primarily spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The reference specifies that the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species are known carriers. These mosquitoes are common in the Americas, explaining why the virus is prevalent in that region.
- Symptoms: The infection, sometimes called Zika fever, is usually mild and goes away on its own. This often means individuals might not even know they have it.
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Disease | Infectious disease caused by a virus |
| Transmission | Primarily through infected mosquito bites (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species) |
| Severity | Usually mild, resolves on its own |
Additional Notes
- While typically mild, Zika virus can pose more serious risks to certain populations, such as pregnant women.
- Prevention focuses largely on avoiding mosquito bites through methods such as using insect repellent, wearing long clothing, and reducing mosquito breeding sites.
