Zika Virus in Ahmedabad : All you need to know about Symptoms, Facts, and Prevention
New Delhi : India has detected three Zika-affected patients, including a pregnant women -- all from Ahmedabad in Gujarat, says a World Health Organisation (WHO) report. The following are some questions and answers about the ZIKA virus outbreak.
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae. It is spread by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes,Zika virus, first identified in Uganda in 1947. A mosquito bites an infected person and then passes those viruses to other people it bites. Outbreaks did not occur outside of Africa until 2007, when it spread to the South Pacific.
The infection, known as Zika fever or Zika virus disease, often causes no or only mild symptoms, similar to a very mild form of dengue fever.
The first large outbreak of disease caused by Zika infection was reported from the Island of Yap (Federated States of Micronesia) in 2007. In July 2015 Brazil reported an association between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome. In October 2015 Brazil reported an association between Zika virus infection and microcephaly.
Based on a systematic review of the literature up to 30 May 2016, WHO has concluded that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain abnormalities, including microcephaly; and that Zika virus is a trigger of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Zika virus travel recommendations:
Due to current reports from multiple countries concerning Zika virus, the CDC have issued a level 2 travel alert (practice enhanced precautions) for people traveling to a range of countries, including:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Singapore
- Venezuela
ZiKa Virus Symptoms:
1. Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes.
2. People with Zika virus disease can have symptoms including mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.
3. There is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Links to other neurological complications are also being investigated.
Zika virus Treatments:
Currently, there is no treatment or vaccination available for Zika. There are, however, several rapid detection tests available for qualified laboratories, distributed by the CDC. The CDC recommends the following measures for people with the virus:
1. Resting
2. Increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration
3. Relieving pain and fever with medications, such as acetaminophen
Zika virus Prevention:
1. Protection against mosquito bites is a key measure to prevent Zika virus infection.
2. This can be done by wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as window screens or closing doors and windows; sleeping under mosquito nets; and using insect repellent containing DEET, IR3535 or icaridin according to the product label instructions.
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Input from Wikipedia and Agencies
