While Africa is struggling with Ebola and
Lassa, the sad news is that there is a new on in the Americas is Zika virus.
Zika is currently found
in Brazil. Though the symptoms shown by people with Zika virus disease are only
mild fever, skin rash and conjunctivitis − popularly known around here as Apollo
− for about 2-7 days, it is
a different story for pregnant women. The WHO said the disease affects the
growth of the foetus, leading to microcephaly or stunted brain growth. One case
of microcephaly linked to Zika virus has been established in Hawaii.
WHO is predicting that
Zika will spread to all except two countries in the Americas, Canada and
continental Chile. Concerns are also growing that the disease may become
a worldwide issue with the 2016 summer Olympic Games coming up in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil.
In the meantime
though, here are facts you should know about Zika virus according to WHO:
1.
Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes
mosquitoes.
2.
People with Zika virus disease usually have a mild fever, skin
rash (exanthema) and conjunctivitis. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.
3.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.
4.
The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito
bites.
5.
The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia
and the Pacific.
Transmission
Zika virus is
transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes
genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that
transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.
Zika virus disease
outbreaks were reported for the first time from the Pacific in 2007 and 2013
(Yap and French Polynesia, respectively), and in 2015 from the Americas (Brazil
and Colombia) and Africa (Cape Verde). In addition, more than 13 countries in
the Americas have reported sporadic Zika virus infections indicating rapid
geographic expansion of Zika virus.
Prevention
Mosquitoes and their
breeding sites pose a significant risk factor for Zika virus infection.
Prevention and control relies on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction
(removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between
mosquitoes and people.
This can be done by
using insect repellent; wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover
as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as screens,
closed doors and windows; and sleeping under mosquito nets. It is also
important to empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water such as buckets,
flower pots or tyres, so that places where mosquitoes can breed are removed.
Special attention and
help should be given to those who may not be able to protect themselves
adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly.
During outbreaks,
health authorities may advise that spraying of insecticides be carried out.
Insecticides recommended by the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme may also be
used as larvicides to treat relatively large water containers.
Travellers should take
the basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito
bites.
Treatment
Zika virus disease is
usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with
Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and
fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care
and advice. There is currently no vaccine available.
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