To make a correct diagnosis of Zika virus infection it is important to know the symptoms that usually appear 10 days after a mosquito bite and that initially include fever above 38 degrees Celsius and red spots on the skin of the face. These symptoms usually progress to other slightly more specific symptoms, such as:
These signs usually last up to 5 days and can be confused with flu, dengue or rubella symptoms, so it’s important to go to the emergency room when more than 2 of your symptoms appear to be treated by a doctor to diagnose the disease. start the right treatment. Learn about other symptoms caused by Zika virus and how to relieve it.
- If you suspect you may be with Zika.
- It is recommended that you go to the hospital immediately so that your doctor can observe your symptoms and assess whether they may be caused by the Zika virus.
- In addition.
- Your doctor may also prescribe tests to make sure that no other medical conditions cause the same symptoms.
- However.
- In times of epidemic.
- Doctors may suspect the disease and do not always require an examination.
Diagnosis to identify the presence of Zika virus is made by rapid testing, molecular and immunological tests and should preferably be made during the symptomatic phase of the disease, i.e. when there is a higher likelihood of detecting zika virus, even if it is in low concentrations.
The most commonly used test for the diagnosis of Zika virus is RT-PCR, which is a molecular test that can be performed using blood, urine or place as a sample, if performed in pregnant women. Although blood tests are the most common, urine ensures a higher chance of detection, as well as being easier to collect. Thanks to RT-PCR, in addition to identifying the presence or absence of the virus, it is possible to check the concentration at which the virus is present, and this information is useful for the doctor to establish the best treatment.
In addition to molecular tests, it is also possible to make a serological diagnosis, in which the presence of antigens and / or antibodies that may be indicative of an infection is sought. This type of diagnosis is most commonly made in pregnant and newborn women with microcephaly and can be made from a blood sample, umbilical cord or CSF.
Rapid tests are most often used as a form of detection and the result should be confirmed by molecular or serological tests. There are also immunohistochemical tests, in which a biopsy sample is sent to the lab to look for antibodies against the virus. .
Due to the similarity between the symptoms of Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya, there is also a molecular diagnostic test that differentiates the three viruses, allowing proper diagnosis and initiation of treatment, however this test is not available in all health formations, which are usually found in research laboratories and also receive samples to make the diagnosis.
For your baby, it can be a little more difficult to identify Zika symptoms. That’s why it’s very important for parents to pay attention to signs such as:
In addition, some women may become infected with Zika virus during pregnancy, which can interfere with neurological development and lead to the birth of the baby with microcephaly, in which the baby’s head and brain are smaller than normal for age. . Learn to recognize microcephaly.
If Zika is suspected, the child should be taken to the pediatrician for diagnostic tests, and therefore the most appropriate treatment may be initiated.
Zika virus treatment is the same as dengue treatment and should be guided by a family doctor or infectious disease. This is usually done only with symptom control, as there is no specific antiviral to fight infections.
Thus, treatment should only be done with rest at home for about 7 days and the use of painkillers and remedies for fever, such as acetaminophen or dipirony, for example, to relieve symptoms and speed recovery. Anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory medications may also be indicated to control some of the symptoms.
In some people, Zika infection can complicate the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious disease that, if left untreated, can cause the patient to fail to walk or breathe, which can be fatal. Therefore, if you experience progressive weakness of your legs and arms, you should quickly go to the hospital. People diagnosed with the syndrome reported having Zika symptoms about 2 months earlier.
Watch the video below on how to eat to recover faster from Zika: