Zika virus and pregnancy: risks, symptoms and complete prevention

The WHO (World Health Organization) defines the Zika virus as a viral infection transmitted primarily by mosquitoes which can spread rapidly under certain environmental and social conditions. Although it causes mild illness in most people, It takes on special relevance during pregnancy. due to its ability to produce serious alterations in fetal development, such as microcephaly and other neurological problems.

Far from generating unnecessary alarm, the key lies in to get informed with reliable data and to know the most effective prevention measures, especially if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or live in or travel to areas where the virus has been circulating. how it is transmitted, what symptoms it produces, what risks it entails during pregnancy, and what health authorities recommend It will help you make safer decisions.

Zika virus: What is its origin?

The Zika virus It gets its name from a small forest in UgandaIn the Zika region, where it was first detected in the mid-20th century in non-human primates, these animals exhibited symptoms very similar to those of yellow fever, leading scientists to study this new virus.

For decades, the Zika virus circulated sporadically in some regions of Africa and Asia, with isolated cases and no large outbreaksIt was not until later that its significant jump to the human population was documented, with a relevant impact on public health.

Around the first decade of the new millennium, the virus was detected in Micronesiawhere some 8.000 people suffered from a disease characterized by extreme fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashesAt that time, it did not seem to be a particularly serious infection, as mortality was mainly associated with people with pre-existing conditions (heart problems or weakened immune systems).

The really big problem began when the virus spread to large areas of the American continent. From that moment on A worrying association began to be observed between Zika infection during pregnancy and serious fetal malformations.especially microcephaly and other brain abnormalities.

• According to European Centre for Disease Prevention and ControlIn Brazil, in the preceding years, some 200 cases of children born with microcephaly.
• In a short period of time, the number rose to several thousand cases, raising suspicions of a direct relationship between Zika infection during pregnancy and the increase in these malformations.
• Epidemiological and laboratory investigations They ended up supporting that association, which led international health authorities to issue specific recommendations for pregnant women.

Zika virus symptoms and risk factors

One of the most striking aspects of the Zika virus is that Not all infected people show symptomsIn fact, it is estimated that a significant proportion of cases may go undetected.

In general, it is estimated that Only 1 in 4 or 5 infected people will develop the disease.And the clinical picture is usually mild. This means that many infections go undiagnosed and the virus can spread undetected.

• After being bitten by an infected mosquito, the incubation period is usually 2 to 7 days before the first symptoms appear.
• The most characteristic symptoms are: low-grade fever, rash or skin eruption, itchy skin, eye redness (conjunctivitis) and joint or muscle pain.
• They may also appear intense fatigue, headachegeneral malaise and pain in the extremities.
• Most people get better spontaneously within a few days or a week, without needing hospitalization.
• In adults, serious neurological complications are rare, although they can occur in exceptional cases.

The greatest risk occurs in people with previous health problems (such as certain heart conditions or immunodeficiencies) and, above all, in the pregnant womenbecause the virus can be transmitted to the developing fetus and affect its brain growth.

Ways in which the Zika virus is contracted

The main route of Zika transmission is through the infected mosquito bite of the Aedes genus (such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). However, this is not the only possible form of transmission, and this is especially important in the context of pregnancy.

• Mosquito biteThis is the most common way. The mosquito bites an infected person, acquires the virus in the blood, and then transmits the infection when it bites another person.
• Sexual transmissionIf a man has a Zika infection, he can transmit the virus to his partner through semen, even even if you have no symptoms or they have already disappearedThe virus can remain active in semen for a longer period than in blood.
• Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancyThe infection can be transmitted vertically from a pregnant mother to her fetus. This transmission is responsible for what is known as congenital Zika virus syndrome, which includes microcephaly and other serious defects.
• Bloodborne transmissionIt can occur through blood transfusions or accidental needle sticks with contaminated needles, although these are considered less frequent routes and safety measures are applied in blood banks.
• BreastmilkAlthough the virus has been detected in breast milk in some studies, No cases of transmission via this route have been documentedMajor health organizations believe that the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh any possible theoretical risks.

Factors riesgo

The risk of Zika virus infection depends on both individual factors as well as the characteristics of the environment. Health authorities have identified several key elements that increase the likelihood of infection, especially in certain regions.

In territories where Zika has circulated significantly They are combined:

• Lack of immunity in the populationWhen the virus reaches areas where there is no prior exposure, virtually the entire population is susceptible to infection.
• Favorable weather conditionsWarm temperatures, abundant rainfall, and high humidity facilitate the reproduction of Aedes mosquitoes.
• Presence of stagnant waterContainers, ponds, puddles, old tires or uncovered receptacles serve as ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Densely populated urban environmentsThey encourage frequent contact between people and mosquitoes, which increases the speed of virus spread.
• Inadequate sanitation and water supply systemsThey force people to store water in a homemade way, something that if not done correctly can multiply mosquito breeding points.

For pregnant women or those thinking about becoming mothers, the risk level It is considered especially high if:

• Live in countries or regions with current or past Zika transmission.
• They plan travel to tropical or subtropical areas where there have been outbreaks of Zika and other mosquito-borne arboviruses.
• They have a sexual partner who has traveled to or lives in areas with Zika risk and barrier methods (condoms) are not used.

Health authorities recommend that pregnant women and those who wish to become pregnant Always consult your healthcare professional before traveling to regions with a history of Zika virus transmission.

Zika virus and pregnancy

Pregnancy is the context in which the Zika virus has potentially more serious consequencesAlthough the illness is usually mild for the mother, the virus can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, directly affecting the brain development and other organs in formation.

In many regions of Latin America, especially in the most disadvantaged areas, Zika has had a significant impact for several reasons:

• Uneven water distributionIn areas with limited infrastructure, many families collect and store water from makeshift ponds or reservoirs, creating a ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Accumulation of garbage and wasteContainers, tires, cans and other abandoned objects can fill with rainwater and become breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
• Homes without mosquito nets or air conditioningThey increase direct contact between people and mosquitoes throughout the day.

The greatest risk to the fetus is concentrated, above all, in the first trimester of pregnancyThis is when much of the development of the central nervous system occurs. If a pregnant woman becomes infected at this stage:

• There is an increased probability (estimated in various studies) that the fetus will suffer structural alterations in the brain.
• The most well-known manifestation is the congenital microcephaly, although the so-called congenital Zika virus syndrome It includes other brain, eye, and musculoskeletal defects.
• Signs of microcephaly can be detected in advanced ultrasounds of the pregnancy, although in many cases confirmation is made at birth.

Even when the infection takes place in the second or third trimesterThe risk cannot be completely ruled out. Studies have shown that they can also appear birth defects and developmental problems after later infections, although the overall risk appears to be lower than in the first quarter.

Babies with microcephaly and congenital Zika virus syndrome

La microcephaly It is a neurological disorder in which babies present with a cranial circumference significantly smaller than expected for their gestational age and sex. This usually reflects a abnormal or incomplete brain developmentwhich may entail:

• Global delays in psychomotor development.
• Learning and language difficulties.
• Movement and coordination problems.
• Seizures and epilepsy.
• Visual and hearing problems.

Microcephaly can be caused by genetic, environmental, or infectious factorsSince the link with Zika was identified, it is recognized that infection during pregnancy can be one of the causes of this condition, within a broader picture called congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZS).

Congenital Zika syndrome may include:

• Microcephaly and severe brain malformations.
• Eye problems, such as retinal injuries or optic nerve damage.
• Hearing loss or problems processing sounds.
• Alterations in the joints and limbswhich can limit movement.
• Feeding difficulties, such as problems sucking or swallowing.

Children with microcephaly or congenital Zika syndrome may benefit from early intervention and multidisciplinary follow-up (neurologists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists) to maximize their development and improve their quality of life. However, in many of the regions most affected by the Zika virus, access to these resources is limited, which exacerbates the social and familial impact.

In many countries, pregnant women try to prevent mosquito bites by using repellents and physical barriersHowever, the cost of these products can be high for families with fewer resources. This underscores the importance of public campaigns distributing repellents, mosquito nets, and implementing vector control measures in communities.

Prevention and key facts about Zika if you are pregnant

The main international health organizations agree that if you live in an area at risk of Zika or plan to travel there, It is essential to take extra precautions during pregnancy or if you're thinking about getting pregnant.

In general, the following are recommended three main lines of action:

• Avoid or very carefully consider travel to areas with current or recent Zika transmission, especially if you are pregnant.
• Preventing mosquito bites through appropriate clothing, repellents and control of breeding grounds.
• Minimize sexual transmission of the virus, using barrier methods or postponing unprotected sex.

Travel to areas at risk of Zika

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancyHealth authorities recommend:

• Avoid travel to areas with active Zika health advisories or with a recent history of transmission, unless strictly necessary.
• If the trip cannot be postponed, always talk to your health professional before leaving and strictly follow the guidelines for preventing bites and sexually transmitted infections.
• Consult the regularly official updates on countries and territories at risk of Zika through your country's public health agencies.

If you have recently traveled to an area where the virus is or has been active, it's recommended:

• Discuss the trip with your doctor or midwife during the first prenatal visit.
• Assess the completion of Zika-specific tests If you have had symptoms, if the ultrasound shows signs suggestive of fetal infection, or if your partner has traveled to a high-risk area.
• Keep sexual relations with a condom or avoid sexual relations for a certain period after the trip, according to current recommendations.

Preventing mosquito bites

Preventing bites It is one of the most effective pillars for reducing the risk of Zika infection, whether you live in or travel to areas with the presence of the Aedes mosquito.

• Protective clothesWear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, preferably in light colors, that cover most of the skin.
• Protected environmentsTry to stay in places with air conditioning or with mosquito nets on doors and windows.
• Use of repellentsApply insect repellent approved and safe for pregnancyAlways follow the instructions on the packaging. For young babies, there are age restrictions that must be respected.
• Control of standing waterEmpty, clean, or cover containers where water can accumulate (flowerpots, buckets, tires, small pools) to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing.
• Mosquito nets for sleeping: Place mosquito nets on the bed, especially if you sleep in areas without good protection against mosquitoes.

Prevention of sexual transmission

Zika can also sexually transmittedTherefore, to protect pregnancy, the usual recommendations include:

• If the male partner has traveled to or lives in a high-risk area, it is advised Use condoms during all sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) for a period of time after the trip or after possible exposure.
• In many cases, the use of barrier methods is recommended. throughout the pregnancy if there is a possibility of recent exposure.
• Couples planning a pregnancy can discuss, together with their healthcare professional, postpone conception for a period of time after a trip to risk areas, to minimize the possibility of transmission to the embryo.

Screening and monitoring tests during pregnancy

If you are pregnant and have been in contact If you have a partner or close contact with someone at risk for Zika, your healthcare team may consider:

• Request specific laboratory tests to detect the Zika virus or its antibodies, depending on the time elapsed since exposure.
• Perform detailed and repeated ultrasounds throughout the pregnancy to monitor the growth of the baby's head and brain structure.
• Assess the need for additional testing if the following are observed alterations compatible with congenital Zika syndrome.

Recommendations on who to test, when, and how often can vary by country and are updated regularly based on the latest scientific data. Therefore, it is essential to follow the Personalized instructions from your doctor or midwife.

Breastfeeding and Zika virus

Genetic material from the Zika virus has been detected in the breast milk of some infected women, but the studies available so far They have not documented cases of transmission to the baby through breastfeedingFor this reason, the main health organizations recommend continuing breastfeeding even in areas where the virus is circulating.

Breast milk provides essential nutrients and immune defenses These benefits help protect the baby against multiple infections and promote proper development. Experts believe these benefits far outweigh any theoretical risks associated with Zika.

In some children with congenital Zika syndrome, the following may appear feeding difficulties (such as problems sucking or swallowing). In these cases, it is essential to have the support of pediatricians, speech therapists, or other professionals who can help adapt feeding and ensure proper growth.

Treatment and management of Zika infection

As of today, there is no specific treatment that eliminates the Zika virus nor is there a widely used vaccine that definitively prevents it. The therapeutic approach is based on relieving symptoms and on prevention of complicationsespecially during pregnancy.

• Resting TimeIt is recommended to rest while the fever and general malaise last.
• adequate hydrationDrink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, especially if there is a fever or severe rash.
• Medications for fever and painParacetamol is generally recommended to relieve pain and fever, always following the dosage indicated by the health professional.
• Avoid certain anti-inflammatory drugsAs a precaution, the use of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is usually discouraged until other infections that may be complicated by these drugs have been ruled out.
• Medical monitoringIf symptoms worsen or persist, or if the affected person is pregnant, a healthcare professional should be consulted immediately.

In the case of pregnant women, in addition to symptomatic treatment, special emphasis is placed on the ultrasound monitoring of fetal development and in the coordination between obstetricians, fetal medicine specialists and pediatricians to plan the follow-up of the baby after birth.

The most important advice for families is to always stay in contact with their healthcare professionals. resolve any doubts with reliable sources and update the information as new studies and official recommendations become available.

Although the Zika virus has had and may continue to have a significant impact in some regions, having clear information, appropriate prevention measures, and proper monitoring during pregnancy It allows you to considerably reduce the risks and face this infection with greater safety and peace of mind.