What is Zika virus disease and why you needn't fear this disease?

These are the key facts to know about Zika virus infection.

1. It is a viral disease transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes.
2. These are mosquitoes that usually bite in the early morning and evening.
3. In addition, the disease can be transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her baby, also through sexual contact, blood donation, and organ transplantation.
4. Symptoms may appear on the third day after the virus enter the body, lasting up to a week or up to 12 days.
5. However, many people develop the disease without even showing any symptoms.
6. Inpatient treatment is not required, and there is no risk of death.

Do you need to be afraid of Zika virus infection?

It is a viral infection that usually comes on very lightly.

But the significance of this is that

i. If a pregnant woman has this infection, the newborn may have congenital disabilities.

ii. The most important of these is microcephaly. It is a condition in which the size of the head decreases and the growth of the brain is affected.

The virus can also cause congenital Zika syndrome in newborns.

iii. In addition, there is a risk of premature birth and abortion.

iv. Rarely, Guillain Barre Syndrome reports a debilitating neurological disorder in adults resulting from this infection.

Is Zika virus disease a new disease?

No. To date, the disease has been reported in 86 countries.

The virus was first detected in monkeys in Uganda in 1947. In 1952, Zika infection was confirmed in humans in Uganda and Tanzania. The human disease was confirmed in Nigeria in 1954. The disease was reported in isolated cases in Africa and Asia from the 1960s to the 1980s. However, the 2007 Island of Yap (Federated States of Micronesia) Zika virus outbreak showed the infectious nature of the disease. In 2013, it was more contagious, affecting the inhabitants in French Polynesia and adjacent regions. The most widespread outbreak ever occurred was in Brazil in 2015. This has led to the finding that unborn babies infected with the Zika virus are at risk. In Brazil, during this outbreak, even military troops have been deployed to control mosquitoes. During this period, US Centers for Disease Control advised pregnant women to avoid traveling to high-risk areas. There was a time when some Latin American / Caribbean countries temporarily (for two years)where the infection was too contagious has advised women to avoid getting pregnant.

Attempts were made at that time to develop a vaccine against the Zika virus, including in India. However, the disease has so far not become one with public health concerns. Hence efforts in producing a vaccine have not become fruitful.

In India, in the year 2018, outbreaks occurred in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. About 290 cases were reported.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Mild fever, red spots on the body, red eyes, arthritis, muscle aches, etc., are the common symptoms, but about 80% of patients do not even have noticeable symptoms.

How is the infection diagnosed?

Evidence of the virus can be found in infected cells, blood, semen, and urine. The RTPCR test is usually performed. National Centre for Disease Control, New Delhi, and National Institute of Virology, Pune, has facilities for testing.

How to treat?

No inpatient treatment is required, and there is no risk of death from this disease.

No effective antiviral drugs or vaccines against the virus have been developed.

Rest, proper food, and drink are sufficient for healing. Medications such as paracetamol can be taken for fever and pain if needed. But some other painkillers should be avoided.

How to prevent the infection?

The disease is transmitted in the same way as dengue and chikungunya. So control is in the same way. Measures to prevent mosquito bites, control mosquitoes, and control mosquito breeding are paramount.

- Be careful not to get bitten by mosquitoes (Mainly in the evening and early morning)

-Wear full-length clothing or use mosquito nets to prevent mosquito bites while sleeping.

-Mosquito repellents can also be used

-Control mosquito breeding (by observing dry days; never allow stagnation of water in and around the household).

IN SHORT, THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY TOO MUCH. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD BE CAREFUL. THE DISEASE CAN ALSO BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE SEXUAL ROUTE. HENCE PEOPLE LIVING AND TRAVELING IN AREAS WHERE ZIKA VIRUS INFECTION IS MOST COMMONLY REPORTED SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS. THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT SUCH MEN HAVE SAFE SEX FOR SIX MONTHS AND WOMEN FOR TWO MONTHS.