Should We Worry About Zika?
Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya,Elephantiasis, Japanese Encephalitis and now Zika; they all have one thing in common, the source- mosquitoes. Zika was discovered in the Zika forest in Uganda in 1947 and is common in Africa and parts of Latin America. However, till very recently it was limited to these areas but in recent times, it literally spread its wings to other parts of the world so rapidly that WHO declared the Zika virus an international public health emergency. According to WHO, around 4 million people are likely to be affected by this deadly virus by the end of 2016 and warnings have been issued to pregnant women especially to not travel to the Caribbean and South American countries where the spread is rampant and ever growing.
Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, (this is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever) which can breed in extremely small quantities of water, as small as a bottle cap. The peculiarity of this mosquito and subsequent transmission is that it usually bites during the day.
Where Do They Breed/Live.
Aedes mosquitoes love pools of water and can be found in patio furniture, in the dripping trays and crevices of air-conditioners, planters, and anywhere there is stagnant water. Hundreds can thrive even on an 2 inch or less diameter bottle cap. They love warm and wet weather conditions.
The Spread and Its Prevention.
The Zika virus is spread when a mosquito bites an infected person, and then bites an uninfected person and thus passes the virus.
To protect yourself, experts agree that the most important thing to do is to get rid of standing water in and around your house.
Empty buckets and don’t let water stagnate anywhere in and around your house.
Empty drip trays of flower pots.
Use a mosquito repellent.
Wear long sleeves and pants and socks as the mosquito loves to bite below the knee.
How Zika Affects Pregnant Women and Newborns.
Zika virus is suspected to cause microcephaly in babies of infected pregnant women. Babies with microcephaly have unusually small heads and brains which have been damaged. Sometime towards the end of 2015, doctors in Northern Brazil noticed a surge in the birth of such babies, setting alarm bells ringing of the extent of this disease and the cause thereof. In a small percentage of babies born with microcephaly, the damage is limited to just a small head but majority of the infants have brain development problems and even hearing loss.
Zika Deaths.
Columbia just announced the first three deaths due to Zika virus, though the link is still being established. Fortunately in India, the only victim of Zika was namesake Zica- the hatchback which was set to be launched by Tata Motors but which now will be re-branded due to obvious reasons.
Symptoms, Treatment and Vaccine.
The most common symptoms are rashes, fever, joint pain and red eyes. The good news is that most people have mild symptoms which can last from a few days up to a week. Seldom is hospitalisation needed. Just taking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and acetaminophen or paracetamol for managing fever normally suffices. This, of course, with a doctor’s prescription.
As of now, there is no prevention in the form of vaccines and no treatment in the form of anti-virals to cure Zika virus.
Though the threat is real and increasing, as of now, pregnant women who would have visited the affected countries of South America and the Caribbean during their pregnancy are the ones whose antennae should be up. For the rest of us, while the world is still figuring more, taking preventive measures should to a large extent, suffice.
