How to distinguish symptoms cause by zika virus, measle virus, and influenza virus
The correct answer and explanation is:
Zika virus, measles virus, and influenza virus each cause different sets of symptoms, which can help in distinguishing them. Here’s a breakdown of the key symptoms and their differences:
Zika Virus Symptoms
Zika is primarily spread by mosquitoes and can lead to mild symptoms. The key symptoms include:
- Fever: Low-grade, often less severe than those associated with influenza.
- Rash: A distinctive red rash often appears, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.
- Joint pain: Particularly in the small joints of the hands and feet.
- Conjunctivitis: Red eyes (also known as “pink eye”).
- Headache: Often mild.
- Muscle pain: Occurs alongside other symptoms but is not as severe as the joint pain.
In most cases, Zika infections are mild and resolve in about a week. A key distinguishing feature of Zika is the rash and conjunctivitis, which are less common in the other two infections.
Measles Virus Symptoms
Measles is highly contagious and tends to present with more severe symptoms:
- High fever: Often rising to 40°C (104°F).
- Cough, runny nose, and sore throat: These respiratory symptoms appear early.
- Rash: The measles rash typically starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body. It usually appears 3 to 5 days after the onset of symptoms.
- Koplik spots: These are small, white spots inside the mouth, usually on the inside of the cheeks, which are characteristic of measles.
- Red eyes: Another distinguishing feature of measles.
Unlike Zika, the rash and Koplik spots in measles are very specific and can help in diagnosis.
Influenza Virus Symptoms
Influenza symptoms are generally more severe and affect the respiratory system:
- High fever: Often higher than with Zika.
- Cough: Dry or productive, and severe in some cases.
- Sore throat: Common with influenza.
- Body aches: More pronounced than in Zika and measles.
- Fatigue: This can be intense and last for several weeks.
Influenza is primarily a respiratory illness, while Zika and measles often have distinct rashes and other systemic symptoms.
Summary
- Zika: Mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis, joint pain.
- Measles: High fever, cough, Koplik spots, and a characteristic rash.
- Influenza: High fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, fatigue.
By focusing on these distinctive features, it is possible to differentiate between these three viral infections.