Zika, which is a mosquito-borne viral infection, primarily occurs in tropical or subtropical climates.  The Aedes species of mosquito, the same species that can transmit Dengue Fever and the chikunguna virus, differ from the mosquitos that spread Malaria because they are active during the day.  This means that barriers like mosquito nets aren't effective because people usually don't sleep during the day.  Zika cases are popping up all over the world including the United States.  Cases of Zika in the US are attributed to travelers, who have contracted the virus elswhere, returning to the US.  Zika is most dangerous to pregnant women because of the affects it can have on the unborn child. 

People who get infected with Zika may or may not experience symptoms.  Nearly 4 out of 5 people with Zika will not experience symptoms, or they will be very minor.  If symptoms do occur, they normally take effect roughly a week after becoming infected with the virus.  Signs or symptoms of Zika can include:

• Fever
• Rash
• Joint Pain
• Headache
• Muscle Pain
• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
• Vomiting
• Pain around eyes

The Aedes species of mosquito carries the Zika virus.  It is called the Zika virus because it was first discovered in the Zika Valley in Africa in 1947.  If a person gets bitten by a mosquito that has the virus, the person may then become infected.  Depending on the health or immune system of the person, symptoms may or may not occur.  More mosquitos can spread the virus by biting infected people and then biting others who are not infected.  Other causes can include:

• Getting bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito
• Mother passing it to her fetus (or during childbirth)
• Blood transfusion (extremely rare)
• Unprotected sex
• Sharing needles or syringes

• One of the best things you can do is eliminate processed foods, junk foods, and meat.  Start drinking freshly squeezed orange juice and lots of water every day.  It's important to stay hydrated.  Consume raw fruits and vegetables, especially those that are high in vitamins A & C, to nourish your infected cells days after you have been infected, but do so in moderation.  You can also add almond milk to fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies.  Raw fruits and vegetables help fight off infections, and if you are consuming sugars or processed foods, which viruses thrive on, you can do more damage and worsen the condition. 
• Since having a fever is a common symptom of Zika, using ice packs to help lower your body temperature may be beneficial.  If your temperature is high, leave the ice pack on your forehead for 1 hour.  Then remove the ice pack and place it back on in another 2 hours.  
• According to Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is a great natural remedy that helps lower inflammation in the body.  It is a great antioxidant that helps enhance your immune system, which is important for fighting off the virus.  Drink 1 glass of unsweetened almond milk or warm water with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder daily to help eradicate the virus from your system. 
• Fenugreek is a great natural remedy that boosts the immune system.  People with Zika often times feel weak and experience muscle or joint pain.  Fenugreek helps to treat symptoms of Zika by fighting parasites and giving the immune system a helping hand.  A Zika patient should introduce more fenugreek seeds into his/her diet to help treat the virus.
• Holy basil is another great remedy in Ayurvedic medicine.  This herb is rich in vitamins A & C, along with many other phytonutrients, and it is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in the body.  Brew a couple leaves of holy basil with 2-3 fresh ginger slices for 5 minutes.  Drink this at least once a day. 
• Papaya leaf juice is a very popular remedy for treating people with Dengue Fever, but there is positive feedback for using this remedy to treat Zika patients.  Take two young fresh papaya leaves and cut out the fibrous stems.  Wash the leaves and then you can either muddle them into a juice, or process them through a juicer.  Drink this juice on an empty stomach and wash it down with a big glass of water.  It's a good idea to keep drinking this juice until symptoms subside. 

• Cinnamon
• Lemon & Lime
• Holy Basil
• Grapefruit & Oranges
• Fever Nut
• Fenugreek Seeds
• Ginger
• Datura
• Fresh Coconut Water
• Alum
• Turmeric
• Dark Leafy Greens (kale, spinach, & chard)
• Guavas
• Bell Peppers