Zika Virus Disease is a disease caused by a mosquito species called AEDES SPECIES MOSQUITO. Just like Ebola the virus has its originating root in Africa, Zika virus disease was first discovered in 1947 in a forest called Zika in Uganda.Its symptoms includes red eyes,rashes,joint pain and fever and its outbreak has been reported in Tropical Africa,Southeast Asia and Pacific Island.
What you need to Know About Zika Virus Disease
However when Zika Virus Disease occurs during pregnancy it will lead to a serious birth defect known as MICEOCEPHALY. The spread of this disease has been slow but steady,there has been sparsely spread of Zika Virus since 1952,2007 2015 and more frequently since the year 2016.The Pan American Health Organization issued a warming last year as regards to the recent discovery of Zika Virus and since then there has been constant spread through blood transfusions,mother to child transmission,sex and through mosquitoes.
METHOD OF TRANSMISSION
Mosquitoes:It is the same mosquitoes that causes Dengue and Chinkunya [aedes mosiquitoes] that transmits zika virus.It is transmitted through infected mosquitoes to a person when bitten by the mosquitoes.
NOTE:The mosquitoes get infected when they feed on already infected person.
Sex or Sexual contact: It has been discovered by scientist that the virus last longer in semen than blood,so the virus can be spread when having sexual activities.It is strongly advised that condom should be worn during sex to curtail the transmission.Abstinence is also advocated.
Blood Transfusions:There has been several reported cases of Zika Virus spread through blood transfusions.In Brazil and French polynesian outbreak there where cases of transmission through blood transfusion as many of the donors tested positive to the disease.
Mother to Child Transmission:A pregnant mother can pass the virus to her fetus,it is the major cause of severe fetal brain defect and Microcephaly.
NOTE:There has not been any reported case of transmission through Breastfeeding,so nursing mothers are advised to continue breastfeeding their children even when they tested positive to the disease.
PREVENTION
a. Prevention of mosquito bite through any possible means satisfied to be safe.b. Use condoms when you are in risk prone areas.
c. Information should be provided to travelers visiting areas where Zika Virus has been discovered.
d. Blood tranfussion should be screened for the prescence of zika virus in the blood of the donor.
AREAS WITH ZIKA VIRUS
- Africa
- Pacific Island
- Southeast Asia
- US Virgin Island
- Puerto Rico
- America Samoa
- United states
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of Zika Virus includes the following: Rashes,joint pain,muscle pain,headache,conjunctivitis[red eyes]. Due to the fact that zika virus has mild symptoms people hardly go to hospital, so if you experience any of this symptoms in zika prone areas please visit your health care provider.Information about zika's incubation period is not available but it is believed by scientist to be within few days to weeks.
FACTS ABOUT ZIKA VIRUS
- No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus disease.
- Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites .
- Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime.
- Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.
- Prevent sexual transmission of zika virus by wearing condom or totally avoiding sex.
These are all you need to know about Zika Virus so as to keep yourself, your baby ,family and others safe from contacting the disease.
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