Preventing Zika Virus
Zika virus causes an infection called Zika disease. The Zika virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected Aedes species moths. Zika virus infection symptoms include fever, joint pain and conjunctivitis, which can cause red eyes. Zika virus infection can sometimes cause neurological disorders, such as Guillain Barre syndrome and microcephaly among newborn infants. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 3-4 million to 4,000,000 people could be at-risk of getting this virus every year.
What's the Zika virus?
Zika virus, a flavivirus, is related to Yellow Fever , West Nile and dengue viruses. The virus was discovered in Uganda's Zika Forest in 1947. It has been spread to tropical and subtropical areas around the globe, including Africa, Asia and the Americas. Zika virus can be transmitted through bites of infected Aedes species mosquitoes, which are the same mosquitoes that carry yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya.
Zika virus infection is most commonly manifested by fever, rash and joint pain. Muscle pain, headaches and other symptoms could also be present. Mild symptoms will usually last from a few days to one week for most people who are infected by Zika virus. The Zika virus does not have a vaccine or treatment. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. It is rare for severe illness to require hospitalization.
What is the Zika virus?
According to the WHO, 3-4 million people could contract Zika virus every year. Zika virus cases have been confirmed in many countries including Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador. Some Caribbean islands have also seen the virus, such as Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.
Zika virus Causes
Zika virus can be transmitted to people by the bite of infected Aedes species moths. It can be transmitted from pregnant women to unborn babies during labor or pregnancy. The virus can also be transmitted through organ transplantation or blood transfusions.
- Mosquito bite
- Unborn babies can be delivered to pregnant women
- Sexual contact
- Transfusion of blood
- Organ transplantation
Zika virus treatment
There is currently no vaccine or treatment for Zika. The treatment is focused on the relief of symptoms. It includes fluids and rest. Fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are also recommended. Before dengue is ruled out, you should avoid aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
Progress on Zika Virus
The Zika virus has been a subject of intense research by medical researchers. In 2017, a study showed that Zika virus could remain in the sperm for as long as six months. The findings have important implications in preventing sexual contact from spreading the Zika virus. Researchers have also developed an experimental vaccine against the virus, which is being evaluated in animal models.
The US Food and Drug Administration approved in 2018 a Zika virus test that detects the virus from saliva. The test will make Zika virus infection diagnosis easier and may reduce false positives.
Is Zika Virus Preventable?
Zika virus can be prevented. Research has shown that reducing the amount of Zika virus-carrying mosquitoes is the best way to stop the spread. You can do this by removing standing water that mosquitoes could breed in, applying insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing such as pants and shirts. Travellers who travel to Zika virus-affected areas should also take precautions to avoid being bitten.
- Remove standing water from areas where mosquitoes breed
- Use insect repellents
- Long-sleeve shirts and trousers are recommended
- Window screens can be installed
- Travel to Zika-infected areas with extra caution
While these measures may help reduce your risk of getting the Zika virus, it's important to keep in mind that not all methods are 100% effective. It is crucial to monitor the situation closely and take preventive steps.
Conclusion
Zika virus, a severe infectious disease, can lead to serious health issues in newborns and pregnant women. There is no vaccine or cure for Zika virus. However, you can reduce your risk by using preventive measures like eliminating standing water and insect repellent. To avoid mosquito bites, travelers who travel to Zika-affected areas should be extra vigilant.
The causes and symptoms of Zika virus have been described in this article. Individuals can lower their chances of getting Zika virus by following these steps. This will also help protect the most vulnerable.