You might have come across the trending Zika virus. Not just domestically, it has become a matter of global concern. Here is everything you need to know about this lethal virus, Zika that has been a subject of alarm worldwide.
WHAT IS THIS VIRUS?
The Zika virus is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also causes other serious diseases like dengue, yellow fever and Chikungunya.
There is no vaccine to prevent the Zika viral infection, making it a deadly one. The only way of prevention is avoiding visits to the infected areas and proximity to infected people.
The virus may infect anyone but its impact on pregnant women is severe.
This virus is known to cause a neurological disease called microcephaly, which causes a serious defect in the brain. It is a condition where the baby’s head and brain is abnormally smaller.
The symptoms of this disease cannot be detected easily and the situation is much worse for pregnant women as it becomes difficult to terminate their pregnancies by the time it is detected.
WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW?
Recently, the virus has spread its wings in Latin America and the Caribbean, making thousands of people and especially expecting women it’s victims. The matter is particularly worse in countries like Brazil, El Salvador and Columbia.
Even the health officials in Jamaica, Colombia, Ecuador and El Salvador are advising couples wanting to start a family to delay their family plans until the year 2018.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE?
According to statistics , 1 out of 5 people get sick. The others may not experience any such symptoms, exposing them to a much greater risk.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. These symptoms are usually evident within 2 to 7 days after being bitten.
The following can be done to prevent the disease:
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Stay in places with air conditioning or use door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
Use insect repellents.
Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age.
Cover the arms and legs of the child.
Cover the crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Visit a doctor and get yourself tested as soon as you encounter such symptoms especially if you have travelled to the affected regions.
If affected, keep yourself hydrated and take ample rest. Take only those medicines which have been prescribed to you by a practitioner. Any error can greatly damage you as well as your child’s health.
(Source: CDC)
Recently, the virus is also reported to have reached the UK. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the virus is likely to spread across nearly all the continents. The fact that it has travelled from Africa to America is frightening. Such mosquitoes breed in areas where there is water logging and poor sanitation, chances are that it might make its way into our subcontinent as well. People travelling as tourists, journalists or as volunteers might be at a higher risk of falling prey to this virus.
Watch out for more Zika related news to make sure you don’t fall prey to this deadly virus.
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