Zike Virus – Treatment, Symptom, vaccine, or origin. All You Need To Know About This Virus is here.

Zika virus is a disease that spreads to people by the bite of an infected Aedes albopictus or Aedes aegypti spices mosquito. These mosquitoes live indoors, outdoor or typically lay eggs near standing water in things like buckets or flower pots. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes then spread the virus when they bite other people. In most cases, there are no symptoms, but in some, the Zika virus can trigger paralysis. In pregnant women, it may cause certain birth defects. Although the virus is transmitted by mosquitos, there is a possibility of sexual transmission. 

What happens if you get the Zika virus?

Here are the Zika virus symptoms – 4 out of 5 people won’t have symptoms or even know they are infected with the virus. Symptoms of Zika virus are usually other mild flu-like fever, rashes, headache, joint or muscle pain, conjunctivitis, and red-eye. A pregnant woman can also pass the virus to her fetus during pregnancy or around the birth time. If that happens, the results can be devasting. Zika can cause severe fetal brain defects, including microcephaly, a condition that is a sign of incomplete brain development. There’s a lot we still don’t know about the effects of Zika on pregnancy. 

Zika virus treatment –  If you have the above-mentioned symptoms. 

  • Talk to your healthcare provider 
  • Get plenty of rest 
  • Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Avoid aspirins or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

Zika virus prevention –

  • As Aedes mosquitoes breed in a small collection of water around homes, schools, and work sites. We should eliminate to stay near this and take initiatives to keep clean them. You should stay in clean surroundings. and special attention must be given to pregnant ladies, women of reproductive age, and young children.
  • WHO recommends that the couple who are physically active should be counseled correctly and offered a full range of contraceptive methods.
  • Pregnant mothers should be very careful as the Zika virus can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, resulting in microcephaly(smaller than a normal head size). 
  • Wear long sleeves and pants outside. 

Origin of Zika Virus – Virus-Like dengue and malaria, Zika is also a kind of virus that is spread by the bite of a mosquito. Its virus family is Flaviviridae. Zika Virus was first discovered in 1947 in Uganda and named after the Zika Forest. Firstly it was identified in monkeys, then later on identified in humans.

Zika Virus In India – Zika virus previously had been seen in India. In 2016 India had reported the infection in the western state of Gujrat, and recently in 2021 Kerela Health Minister confirmed the presence of the virus in Trivandrum District again.

Zika Virus Vaccine – A Zika virus vaccine had invented to prevent the symptoms and complications of Zika Virus infection.  It’s discovered by the  p.lVirology team, led by Professor Eric Gowans and Dr. Branka Grubor-Bauk – based at Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research and supported by the  Hospital Research Foundation. 

Hope you got all information. 

Stay Aware, Stay Healthy!!!