WHAT IS ZIKA VIRUS
Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted mainly by mosquitoes of the genus Aides.
Affected subjects may present with moderate fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, or headache. Normally, these symptoms go away in 2 to 7 days.
Zika virus is a mosquito and was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys, through a yellow fever surveillance network. It was then identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Zika virus disease outbreaks have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.
From the 1960s to the 1980s, human infections were observed in Africa and Asia, usually with mild symptoms. The first major outbreak of Zika virus disease was reported on the island of Yap (Federated States of Micronesia) in 2007. In July 2015, Brazil reported a link between Zika virus infection and Guillain syndrome. Rod. In October 2015, he also reported the link with microcephaly.
The spread of the Zika virus from 1947 to 2016
Signs and symptoms
The length of incubation period (from time of exposure to onset of symptoms) is not well known, but it is likely to be a few days. Symptoms resemble those of other arboviruses, such as dengue fever, and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. They usually remain benign and disappear within 2 to 7 days.
Complications of Zika virus disease
After a full review of the available data, scientific consensus has emerged that Zika virus is the cause of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Intense efforts continue to study, in a framework of rigorous research, the link between this virus and a number of neurological disorders.
Transmission
Zika virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito of the genus Aides, especially the species Aides Egypt, in tropical regions. These mosquitoes usually bite during the day, with their activity peaking in the wee hours of the morning and in the late afternoon and early evening. These same mosquitoes also transmit dengue, chickengunya and yellow fever. Other routes of transmission are currently being investigated, such as blood transfusions.
Diagnostic
Zika virus infection may be suspected based on symptoms and recent travel history (e.g. living in an area where the virus is known to be present or having been there). The diagnosis can only be confirmed by laboratory tests of blood or other body fluids, such as urine, saliva or semen.
Processing
Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and does not require specific treatment. Affected people need plenty of rest, enough drink, and common pain and fever medications. If symptoms worsen, they should see a doctor. There is currently no vaccine.
Prevention
Protection against mosquitoes bites is an essential measure for the prevention of Zika virus infection. This can be achieved by applying repellents, wearing clothing covering the body as much as possible installing physical obstacles such as insect screens, closing doors and windows, sleeping under mosquito nets. Particular attention should be paid to those who may not be able to protect themselves effectively, such young children, the sick or elderly. Travelers and people living in affected areas should take the basic precautions describe above to protect themselves from mosquitoes
It is also important to empty or clean any potential breeding sites of mosquitoes such as buckets, cans, flowerpots, gutters or worn tires. Communities should support the efforts of local authorities to reduce the density of mosquitoes in their locality. Health authorities may also advise spraying with insecticide.
You must be logged in to post a comment.