The deadly Zika virus has been creating a swirl worldwide
and has been a subject of concern for everyone at the moment. Few days ago I heard my fellow coworkers getting quite
curious about the virus which resulted in poorly developed head in children.
However, they weren’t quite sure about what it actually is and how it is
transmitted. So, here I am, taking a moment to write on the must know
information about Zika virus.
Originate: Zika virus was discovered in 1947
and in 1952, the first human cases of Zika were detected. Zika virus is named after
the Zika forest in Uganda.
Causative Agent: The virus Zika is the member of Flaviviridae family. This virus usually remains
in the human blood for about a week after infection.
Areas affected: Although there have been number of reported
cases of Zika in the tropical Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands in
the past, the virus outbreak in 2015 has resulted in declaration of public
health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by WHO since the confirmation
of the virus infection in Brazil on 1st February, 2016. It is highly
likely to spread on other territories/countries in the days to come.
Mode of transmission: The Zika virus is spread mainly
through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti
Mosquito. However, there have also been evidences that indicate human to human transmission of the virus through unsafe sex.
Symptoms: The symptoms are quite similar to
that of flu. Fever, redness of eye, pain in the joint and rashes are common
after the virus infection.
 |
| PC Antonio Lacerda/EPA |
Zika in pregnant women: Consequences of Zika virus is very severe
among pregnant woman as the virus can spread from the mother to the fetus. The
virus is capable of causing serious congenital birth defect called
microchephaly in the babies that are born from pregnant women who are infected
by the virus. This defect causes the child’s head/brain to be less than its normal
expected size.
Pregnancy after virus infection: As I mentioned earlier, the virus usually remains in the human blood only during the first week of infection. But, planning for pregnancy in future should only be done after consultation with the health service providers.
Prevention and Treatment: Currently, there isn’t any vaccine or
medicines available against Zika. However, implementation of preventive public
health measure can certainly create a barrier between the agent, host and environment. Using mosquito net/repellent, adoption of personal and environmental
protective measure are some of the ways for disease prevention. Pregnant women also
need to be extra cautious to make sure they are not exposed to the risk of
virus infection. For instance, avoiding travel to the areas affected by the
virus, practice of safe sex to prevent sexual transmission, consultation with
the health service provider before planning for pregnancy etc.
Remember the three pillars of Public Health to fight against Zika: Prevention, Promotion and Protection
Be safe and spread the word!
No comments:
Post a Comment