A Complete Guide To Zika Virus
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
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By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
The Zika virus is back in the news, with a recent rise in cases being reported in a few cities. This mosquito-borne illness, while typically mild for most people, can pose serious health risks for pregnant women and their developing fetuses.
Let’s delve into the latest developments and explore what you need to know about the Zika virus.
Table of Contents
The Zika virus is a single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family. Zika disease can be transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Zika disease transmission is similar to dengue, chikungunea, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. Although it was discovered in the Zika forest in Uganda in 1947 and is common in Africa and Asia, it did not begin spreading widely in the Western Hemisphere until May, when an outbreak occurred in Brazil.
Now that we have read about the spread of Zika virus disease, let’s read about symptoms of Zika virus infection. The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other virus infections such as dengue, and include:
These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.
However, there have been cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome reported in patients following suspected Zika virus infection.
There is no widely available test for Zika. Because it is closely related to dengue and yellow fever, it may cross-react with antibody tests for those viruses. To detect the virus, a blood or tissue sample from the first week in the infection must be sent to an advanced laboratory so the virus can be detected through sophisticated molecular testing.
The CDC has determined that contracting the Zika virus while pregnant can lead to microcephaly and other significant brain-related issues in fetuses. In light of the potential risk of microcephaly resulting from maternal Zika virus infection, it is recommended that both fetuses and newborns of pregnant individuals who have been infected with the Zika virus undergo an assessment to detect potential congenital infection and neurological complications.
Because it is practically impossible to completely prevent mosquito bites, the C.D.C. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has advised pregnant women to avoid going to regions where the virus is being transmitted and has advised women thinking of becoming pregnant to consult doctors before going.
Travelers to affected countries are advised to avoid or minimize mosquito bites by staying in screened or air-conditioned rooms or sleeping under mosquito nets; wearing insect repellent at all times; and wearing long pants, long sleeves, shoes and hats. Use wire mesh on doors and windows; and empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water for mosquito breeding.
Though caution is advised, Indians need not panic. Zika is not life-threatening like dengue and chikungunya, and it is a self-remitting disease, so there is nothing to get anxious about.
Since the virus is not indigenous to India, being careful of the vector and taking the same precautions as you would against dengue should help keep the disease at bay.
The most important point is to avoid travelling to affected areas such as Latin American countries like Brazil, and the Caribbean, especially pregnant women and women who are planning a child.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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