The term Zika Virus is creating dreadful reactions all over the world as the virus continues to attack the Western hemisphere at a rapid speed.
According to the scientist, this mosquito-borne virus perhaps is a lot more dangerous than we thought because it can damage the brain of the fetus causing lifelong cognitive health problems.
Here we share everything about the Zika Virus including the Facts, Symptoms, Prevention, Causes & Treatment:
What is Zika?
Well, Zika is a virus that is transmitted by a daytime active Aedes mosquito (40nm in diameter). This is the same virus that is transmit Chikungunya and Dengue. Among 1 in 5 affected with Zika virus becomes ill.
Image COURTESY: By James Gathany (PHIL, CDC) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
What are the Symptoms of Zika Virus?
Most Common Symptoms
- Mild Fever
- Conjunctivitis (Red Eyes)
- Joint Pain
- Rash
Other Symptoms of the Virus Zika
- Headache
- Muscle Pain
Zika Virus – What is the Incubation Period?
The symptoms last from 2 to 7 days. The virus Zika lasts in the blood of an infected person for about a week, however, in some cases it can be found for a longer period of time. There is rarely any death from the virus.
Is There Any Treatment for Infected People Suffering from Virus Zika?
Right now there is no specific vaccine or drug to treat the infected person from the virus altogether. However, pain and fever is treatable. Besides,
Patients With Symptoms of Zika Infection Should –
- Get plenty of bed rest.
- Consume a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration in the body.
- Take medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to relieve fever as well as pain.
- Do not take aspirin and/or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine.
- If symptoms worsen or you face any complication, see your doctor immediately before taking any additional medication.
How is Zika Infection Prevented?
Controlling the breeding sites of Aedes mosquitoes reduces the likelihood of transmission of Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya. To prevent mosquito bites that transmit Zika –
- Cover Skin with long sleeve clothing
- Use insect repellent
- Sleep, protected by mosquito nets
- Use screen or mosquito nets in doors and windows to reduce contact with mosquito
- At least once in a week, empty, clean, turn over and/or dispose containers that can hold water such as tires, flower pots, buckets both inside and outside of dwellings to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
To know more details on the prevention measures for children and adult alike, check the CDC – Centers For Disease Control and Prevention PAGE
Who are at Risk?
The Pregnant Women are more at risk since the Virus Zika can cause brain defects in the unborn babies
Areas Affected With Zika Virus
In 2015, the first confirmed Zika virus infections orginated in Brazil and has since spread to 22 countries in America, 3 in Ocenia/Pacific Island and 1 in Africa. (Know the complete list of territories with active Zika Virus Transmission)
To know more about the Virus do read the two useful reference shared here and spread the word
Source and Reference:
CDC – Centers For Disease Control and Prevention
PAHO – Pan America Health Organization
