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Zika virus – emerging as a big threat

     

January 31, 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the Flaviviridae virus family and the Flavivirus genus. The virus was first isolated in April 1947 from a rhesus macaque monkey in the Zika Forest of Uganda, near Lake Victoria, by the scientists of the Yellow Fever Research Institute. In 1968, it was isolated for the first time from humans in Nigeria. Since then, Zika virus outbreaks have occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. Zika virus has been isolated from a number of mosquito species in the genus Aedes, such as A. aegypti, and arboreal mosquitoes such as A. africanus and A. vitattus.

Transmission

Zika is transmitted primarily by daytime-active A. aegypti (also known as yellow fever mosquitoes), which is also a vector for transmitting diseases like dengue and chikungunya. A. aegypti can be recognized by the white markings on its legs. Only the female bites for blood, which she needs to mature her eggs. These mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people. These mosquitoes are attracted to chemical compounds emitted by mammals, which it uses to get to the host. These compounds include ammonia, carbon dioxide among others. Though these mosquitoes are known to be the most active during dawn and dusk, they can spread the infection at any time of the day. Spread of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact has been reported. Zika virus can migrate between humans through sexual contact and it can also cross the placenta, affecting an unborn fetus, though rare. There is a possible link between Zika fever and microcephaly in newborn babies by mother-to-child transmission, as well as a stronger one with neurologic conditions in infected adults, including cases of the Guillain–Barré syndrome (a rapid-onset muscle weakness as a result of damage to the peripheral nervous system) But, to date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika virus through breastfeeding. Because of the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed even in areas where Zika virus is found.

Symptoms

According to CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention), about 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become ill (i.e., develop Zika).The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache. The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) for Zika virus disease is not known, but is likely to be a few days to a week. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. Zika virus usually remains in the blood of an infected person for a few days but it can be found longer in some people. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon and deaths are rare.

Diagnosis

Doctors order blood tests to detect the Zika virus much like in the case of a dengue or chikungunya infection.

Treatment

No vaccine or medications are available to prevent or treat Zika infections. People infected should rest well and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Medicines like acetaminophen are recommended to relieve pain and fever. Aspirin (causes the blood to thin) and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen are not advised. Aspirin and NSAIDs should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage (bleeding).

Prevention

No vaccine exists to prevent Zika. One can only prevent this viral disease by avoiding mosquito bites. Wearing full sleeved clothing and emptying out flower pots or any such places where water can accumulate can act as a deterrent. Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. Hence, in case of a suspected infection it is advisable to get tested for these infections too.

Avoid travelling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses that spread by mosquitoes are found. Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites and use mosquito repellents which are effective. Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age. Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs or cover the crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.

During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.To help prevent others from getting sick, avoid mosquito bites during the first week of illness.

Little knowledge about a new disease is bound to cause panic with regulatory bodies issuing advisories and imposing certain restrictions, but it is always better to take extra precautions till the extent of pathogenicity of a virus is known. Zika virus is still being researched by scientists across the globe so as to know how lethal its infection is to humans and to look for ways to curb it.

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