ZIKA VIRUS

The name Zika virus comes from the Zika forest of Uganda, where the virus was first identified in 1947 in monkey .Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the family Flaviviridae

As a Pharmacist, I want to share with you some information about Zika virus, which is a fatal one.

Zika virus is transmitted by Aedes Mosquitoes, the same type of mosquito that carries yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and west Nile viruses. Zika virus may be more serious for pregnant women, as there is evidence it causes birth defects in particular, abnormally small heads (Microcephaly).

History of Zika virus

"Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 .It was later identified in humans in1952 in Uganda."

Outbreaks of zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, Asia, America and Pacific Ocean. From the 1960 to 1980, rare cases of human infection were found across Africa and Asia, typically accompanied by mild illness.

The first recorded outbreak of zika virus disease was reported from the Island of Yap (Federated states of Micronesia) in 2007.This was followed by a large outbreak of zika virus infection in French Polynesia in 2013 and other countries and territories in the pacific. In March 2015, Brazil reported a large outbreak of rash illness, soon identified as zika virus infection, and in July 2015 it was found to be associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome. In October 2015, Brazil reported an association between zika virus infection and microcephaly.

How Do You Get Zika

"Zika virus mainly spreads through mosquito bites named Aedes Mosquitoes (A. aegypti and possibly A. albopictus)."

The virus can pass from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. It can also spread from an infected person through sexual contact. There is no evidence that zika spreads to people from direct contact with animals (for example touching, licking, coughing, and sneezing).Non human primates (for example apes and monkeys) can become infected with zika. Scientists have no evidence how often apes and monkey are infected with zika. A few studies suggest that apes and monkeys are infected with zika. More research is needed to better understand zika in animals.

Symptoms

Many people infected with zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms of zika are –

• Fever

• Rash

• Joint pain

• Headache

• Muscle pain

• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)

Treatment

There is no specific medicine or vaccine for zika virus. Although there are some ways to treat the symptoms. Some of them are -

• Get plenty of rest.

• Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.

• Take medicine such as Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) to reduce fever and pain.

• If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare professional before taking additional medication.

Zika virus test

You may need zika virus test if you are a pregnant woman and have recently traveled to an area where there is a risk of zika infection. You may also need a zika test if you have had sex with a partner who traveled to one of these areas. A zika virus test might be ordered if symptoms of zika have. This test is usually a blood test or a urine test.

What can you do to prevent from zika virus?

You can take some simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the zika virus.

• Apply EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved insect repellent

• Wear clothing that covers arms, legs and exposed skin. This can include hats with hats with mosquito netting and socks to cover ankles.

• If you or your sexual partner may have been exposed to Zika, prevent the spread of the virus via sex by using condoms.

• Remove standing water in open vessels, bottles, buckets, tires or any container that can hold water.

Currently there is no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika, your best protection is to avoid infection at any cost. Prevent the growth of mosquitoes to protect yourselves from the mosquito bites as much as you can and practice safe sex. Be especially cautious if you are pregnant, travelling or spend time outdoors. Since this is a treatment deficient virus we must try to avoid it.

This is some of the information about Zika virus ,I want to enlighten you .If you like my above blog ,keeping following it with utmost interest and do not forget to comment if you have some suggestions regarding any future blogs and also hit on some queries if you have any .I will try my level best to clarify them.