Tag: #zika virus

ZIKA VIRUS

At present India slowly returns back to a state of normalcy and the implications of the second wave of coronavirus decreased. On Thursday, Kerala reported 13 cases of mosquito-borne viral infection called Zika virus for the first time.

As per the reports, the first case of Zika virus involves a 24-year-old pregnant woman in Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala. Samples from 13 persons are collected, suspected to be positive for Zika virus, have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune. 

Zika virus spreads by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The mosquitoes bite both during the day and night. The Aedes mosquito also known as Ae. 

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus and infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.

Centre for Disease Control also suggested that people infected with the Zika virus can transmit it to their sex partners.

symptoms of Zika virus are mild. Most common symptoms include fever, rash, headache, red eyes, muscle pain and joint pain.

While the incubation period is said to be between 3–14 days, the symptoms can last for 2–7 days. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms. The CDC believes that infected people usually don’t get sick enough to be hospitalised and very rarely do they die of Zika.

There is no specific vaccine or medicine for Zika virus, depending on symptoms effected people will be treated with related medication available.

As Zika virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. We should opt clean surroundings, mosquito-ridden areas and avoid mosquito bites using mosquito and insect repellents. Clean the areas that could become a possible hub for mosquito breeding.

ZIKA VIRUS

Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and it was named after the Zika Forest in Uganda. The first human case of zika was found on1952 and from then on cases were being reported on Africa, Southeast Asia and pacific islands.

TRANSMISSION:

It can be transmitted bite of infected mosquito bite of species Aedes which can bite both during day and night. It can also be transmitted from pregnant women to her fetus. It can spread also through sex and blood transfusion.

SYMPTOMS:

There are not much symptoms. mostly people affected with zika are not seen having symptoms or having mild symptoms. the common symptoms are Headache. Joint pain. Rashes. Red eyes. Fever. Symptoms can last to several days to weeks. Good thing about is that people will not die because of this disease and can be protected from further infections. Symptoms of Zika are similar to other illnesses spread through mosquito like dengue and chikungunya.

PREVENTION:

There is no particular vaccine but the best way is to prevent oneself from mosquito bites. Apart from this wear a long piece of clothing and prevent clothes from scabies and lice. One can prevent sexual transmission of virus by using condoms or not having sex. Use insect repellent. Stay away from products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-methane-diol on children less than three years of age.

DIAGNOSIS:

It can be confirmed through blood or urine test. Diagnosis is based ones travel history , lab results and symptoms.

VACCINE:

As of now, there is no particular vaccine available for Zika virus.

WHAT IF A PERSON IS INFECTED WITH ZIKA VIRUS?

As there is no particular vaccine all that one can do is Treat oneself with ample amount of rest. Don’t take any kind of aspirin or other NSAIDs. Drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration.

Don’t panic and make sure you are hygienic.