Zika Virus: Civil Services Mentor Magazine - April - 2016

Zika Virus

World has seen various health concerns in recent past. Whole world has faced the problem of Ebola last year started from some African countries. This year humanities faced similar problem with another virus named Zika. Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. This year it is mostly present in Latin American and South American countries. People with Zika virus disease usually have symptoms that can include mild fever. It is believed to be the reason for the stunted growth of the foetus. In case pregnant lady is affected by Zika virus child is found to be peculiar disease named as microcephaly. In this child has short and distorted head. Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.

People with Zika virus disease usually have symptoms that can include mild fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days. There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available. The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites. The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days. Recently in Brazil, local health authorities have observed an increase in babies born with microcephaly in northeast Brazil. Agencies investigating the Zika outbreaks are finding an increasing body of evidence about the link between Zika virus and microcephaly.

Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. However, sexual transmission of Zika virus has been described in 2 cases, and the presence of the Zika virus in semen in 1 additional case. Infection with Zika virus may be suspected based on symptoms and recent history (e.g. residence or travel to an area where Zika virus is known to be present). Zika virus diagnosis can only be confirmed by laboratory testing for the presence of Zika virus RNA in the blood or other body fluids, such as urine or saliva.

Best cure for the Zika disease is its prevention. Ways through which it can be prevented includes;

• Prevention and control relies on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction (removal and modification of breeding sites)
• Reducing contact between mosquitoes and people.
• Use insect repellent regularly;
• wear clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible;
• use physical barriers such as window screens, closed doors and windows.

It is also extremely important to empty, clean or cover containers regularly that can store water, such as buckets, drums, pots etc. Other mosquito breeding sites should be cleaned or removed including flower pots, used tyres and roof gutters. Communities must support the efforts of the local government to reduce the density of mosquitoes in their locality.

Repellents should contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), IR3535 (3-[N-acetyl-N-butyl]-aminopropionic acid ethyl ester) or icaridin (1-piperidinecarboxylic acid, 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropylester). Product label instructions should be strictly followed. Special attention and help should be given to those who may not be able to protect themselves adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly. Travellers should take the basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

There is no specific treatment provided for the Zika fever. There is currently no vaccine available. However World Health organisation recommends following;

• People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids;
• treat pain and fever with common medicines;
• If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice.

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