Zika Virus was initially discovered by scientists studying yellow fever in Africa during early 1950, while the pandemic has grown exponentially only much recently. In the first half of 2015 doctors identified the zika virus as the cause of an outbreak in Brazil, affecting as many as one and a half million people. The virus is said to breed in waterlogged areas and with the monsoons in full swing, as a mother and homemaker it becomes important to know about the condition and identify the symptoms, follow the course of treatment and inculcate the preventive measures when possible.
Disease
The virus does not have any health implications and is overcome in 2-7 days with proper medication. However, in very rare cases, the virus increases the risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the myelin lining of nerve cells, resulting in widespread weakness and paralysis. Another condition caused by the virus is microcephaly, a birth defect in which a baby’s brain fails to grow to its normal size.
Causes
The virus is a mosquito-borne infection that is transmitted to people mainly through an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. The virus can also be sexually transmitted from a person to his or her partner. It is also documented that the virus is spread from pregnant mothers to their unborn babies.
Symptoms
The virus does not produce symptoms in all those who are affected. While some people may have no symptoms at all, some may suffer from a rash while others may have a fever and headache along with joint and muscle pain and occasionally pain behind the eyes and conjunctivitis. Symptoms usually last for several days to a week.
Diagnosis
When any of the symptoms of the virus are observed, especially if someone has travelled to an affected area, it is advisable to get a blood or urine test done to ascertain if the virus is present in the body. Sometimes symptoms cannot be reliably and hence a test is important for diagnosis and managing the disease.
Treatment
As per the World Health Organisation there is no specific vaccine or medication for the virus, most healthcare providers suggest to get plenty of rest and to consume lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. Medication to bring down the fever and reduce the joint and muscle pain is recommended. Also, it is advised not to take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and mention to your healthcare provider if any other medicine is being taken.
Preventive Measures
The most important step to safeguard the family against the virus is to keep mosquitoes away as mosquito bites are the primary cause of the disease. To keep mosquitoes away spray living spaces with Goodknight indoor mosquito repellants, use outdoor mosquito repellents especially fabric roll-ons for children and use mosquito netting to cover infants in carriers, strollers, or cribs to protect them from mosquito bites.
Staying true to the proverb 'Prevention is better than Cure', we must all stay vigilant to any cases that may breed mosquitoes and take action at the first sign of any symptoms of mosquito borne diseases to ensure the health and wellness of our family and friends.
Until next time,
~ Heena
Disclaimer
I have shared information as per my knowledge of the infection, and I do not assume any liability. The blog post is not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment. Any reader of this blog should specifically consult his/her doctor for the same and follow the suggested course of treatment.
The virus does not have any health implications and is overcome in 2-7 days with proper medication. However, in very rare cases, the virus increases the risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the myelin lining of nerve cells, resulting in widespread weakness and paralysis. Another condition caused by the virus is microcephaly, a birth defect in which a baby’s brain fails to grow to its normal size.
Causes
The virus is a mosquito-borne infection that is transmitted to people mainly through an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. The virus can also be sexually transmitted from a person to his or her partner. It is also documented that the virus is spread from pregnant mothers to their unborn babies.
Symptoms
The virus does not produce symptoms in all those who are affected. While some people may have no symptoms at all, some may suffer from a rash while others may have a fever and headache along with joint and muscle pain and occasionally pain behind the eyes and conjunctivitis. Symptoms usually last for several days to a week.
Diagnosis
When any of the symptoms of the virus are observed, especially if someone has travelled to an affected area, it is advisable to get a blood or urine test done to ascertain if the virus is present in the body. Sometimes symptoms cannot be reliably and hence a test is important for diagnosis and managing the disease.
Treatment
As per the World Health Organisation there is no specific vaccine or medication for the virus, most healthcare providers suggest to get plenty of rest and to consume lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. Medication to bring down the fever and reduce the joint and muscle pain is recommended. Also, it is advised not to take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and mention to your healthcare provider if any other medicine is being taken.
Preventive Measures
The most important step to safeguard the family against the virus is to keep mosquitoes away as mosquito bites are the primary cause of the disease. To keep mosquitoes away spray living spaces with Goodknight indoor mosquito repellants, use outdoor mosquito repellents especially fabric roll-ons for children and use mosquito netting to cover infants in carriers, strollers, or cribs to protect them from mosquito bites.
Staying true to the proverb 'Prevention is better than Cure', we must all stay vigilant to any cases that may breed mosquitoes and take action at the first sign of any symptoms of mosquito borne diseases to ensure the health and wellness of our family and friends.
Until next time,
~ Heena
Disclaimer
I have shared information as per my knowledge of the infection, and I do not assume any liability. The blog post is not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment. Any reader of this blog should specifically consult his/her doctor for the same and follow the suggested course of treatment.
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