How to protect yourself from Zika Virus
Zika virus recently broke out in Brazil a few weeks ago. It has spread throughout the Americas and to some parts of Europe. There are fears that it may spread to Africa, where the virus was discovered in Uganda in 1947.
The following shows tips on how to stay safe, the Nigerian paper; The Nation cited a group of doctors.
The best protection from Zika virus is preventing mosquito bites. Preventing mosquito bites will protect people from Zika virus, as well as other diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes such as dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.
This can be done by using insect repellent; wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows; and sleeping under mosquito nets. It is also important to empty, clean or cover containers that can hold even small amounts of water such as buckets, flower pots or tyres, so that places where mosquitoes can breed are removed.
About the virus:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is not keeping quiet on the face of the geographic spread of Zika virus from Brazil to virtually all parts of the globe.
WHO advised that travellers should stay informed about Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases and consult their local health or travel authorities if they are concerned.
WHO Director-General Mrs Margaret Chan has said scientific findings showed that people catch the virus when bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito – the same type of mosquito that spreads dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.
According to her, only female Aedes mosquitoes bite; they are intermittent feeders and prefer to bite more than one person. Once the female mosquito is fully fed, it needs to rest for three days before it lays eggs. The eggs can survive up to one year without water. Once water is available, and small quantities of standing water are sufficient, the eggs develop into larvae and then adult mosquitoes.
Mrs. Chan said there was no treatment at the moment because there is no vaccine available. “Zika Virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with Zika Virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice,” she said.
According to the organisation, there are two types of Aedes mosquitoes capable of transmitting the the virus. In most cases, Zika spreads through the Aedes aegypti mosquito in tropical and subtropical regions. The Aedes aegypti mosquito does not survive in cooler climate temperatures.
The Aedes albopictus mosquito can also transmit the virus. This mosquito can hibernate and survive in cooler temperature regions. The Aedes mosquito is a weak flyer; it cannot fly more than 400 meters. But it may inadvertently be transported by humans from one place to another (e.g. in the back of the car, plants). If it can survive the temperature of the destination, it may theoretically be capable of reproducing itself there and introduce Zika Virus to new areas.
WHO said Zika Virus usually causes mild illness; with symptoms appearing a few days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people with the virus disease will get a slight fever and rashes. Others may also get conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, and feel tired. The symptoms usually finish in two to seven days.
Health authorities are investigating a potential link between Zika Virus in pregnant women and microcephaly in their babies. Until more is known, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take extra care to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Expectant mothers
If you are pregnant and suspect that you may have Zika virus disease, consult your doctor for close monitoring during your pregnancy. If not, the baby when born may develop microcephaly.
Microcephaly is a rare condition where a baby has an abnormally small head. This is due to abnormal brain development of the baby in the womb or during infancy. Babies and children with microcephaly often have challenges with their brain development as they grow older.
Microcephaly can be caused by a variety of environmental and genetic factors such as Downs syndrome; exposure to drugs, alcohol or other toxins in the womb; and rubella infection during pregnancy.
For most people diagnosed with Zika virus disease, diagnosis is based on their symptoms and recent history (e.g. mosquito bites, or travel to an area where Zika virus is known to be present). A laboratory can confirm the diagnosis by blood tests.
