This alarming and disturbing virus named Zika is spreading robustly in the country affecting a major portion of the people. The World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus a global public health emergency. Further the WHO alert puts Zika in the same category of concern as Ebola Virus.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Zika virus.
History:
- It was first recognized in monkeys in Uganda in 1947.
- For the first time it was detected in a human in Nigeria in 1954 and then there have been further several outbreaks in Africa, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands.
- In May 2015 it was accounted in Brazil and has spread rapidly since then.
Who spreads it?
The Zika virus is spread by being bitten by infected Aedes mosquitoes. These blood suckers have a way to do it. They achieve it by biting someone who is infected and then biting someone else making them infected too.
Symptoms of Zika Virus:
Symptoms are similar to those of dengue or chikungunya which were spread hastily in the recent past. These include:
- Mild fever
- Conjunctivitis (red, sore eyes)
- Headache
- Joint pain
- A rash
Deaths are exceptional and also the reports say that only one in five people who are infected are deliberate to develop symptoms.
Treatment and Cures of Zika Virus:
Alas! At the moment, there is no vaccine against this virus nor a cure. The only alternative is to minimize the risk of being bitten.
One might protect themselves by:
- Using insect repellents,
- Covering the body wearing full sleeved clothes.
- By keeping the windows and doors closed.
- By maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.
What to do if symptoms appear?
- Take plenty of fluids.
- Do not self medicate.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- If you are pregnant and develop symptoms, consult a doctor at the earliest, as you pregnancy could be at risk.
Zika Virus is present in 22 countries in America and is dynamically spreading in other continents like Africa, and South East Asia.
The fight against Zika Virus looks long and a tough one as doctors have declare it a threat.
