ZIKA VIRUS, another disease caused prominently due to mosquito bite. It is primarily caused due to the bite of Aedes mosquitoes which bite during the day and night. We also know about other various disease that are mosquito-borne like malaria, dengue encephalitis and many more.

Symptoms of Zika Virus…….

Most of the people, say 4 out 5 people who suffers from Zika virus rarely shows any signs or symptoms related to the virus or infection. In fact, initially people have mild fever, rash, and muscle pain.

In Zika virus infection, the symptoms usually occur two to 14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms usually last about a week, and most people recover fully.

If a pregnant women suffers from Zika virus infection, then there is an increased risk of miscarriage, also there is high risk of serious birth defects in infants, including a potentially fatal brain condition called microcephaly.

Some common symptoms include mild fever, rash, joint pain, particularly in the hands or feet and red eyes (conjunctivitis). Other symptoms include, muscle pain, headache, pain in eyes, fatigue like conditions, or abdominal pain.

Causes Of Zika Virus…….

The Zika virus is most often spread to a person through the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that are known to carry the virus include two aedes species mosquitoes, which can be found throughout the world.

When a mosquito bites a person, who is already infected with the Zika virus, the virus infects the mosquito. Then, when the infected mosquito bites another person, the virus enters that person's bloodstream and causes an infection.

During pregnancy, the Zika virus can also spread from a mother to the fetus.

The virus can also spread from one person to another through sexual contact. In some cases, people contract the virus through blood transfusion or organ donation.

Complication Caused By Zika Virus……….

Women, especially the pregnant women might face too much complication if they get infected with zika virus during their pregnancy, as it increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth and stillbirth.

It also can cause a number of complications in the infants in their mother’s womb, like:

• A much smaller than normal brain and head size (microcephaly), with a partly collapsed skull
• Brain damage and reduced brain tissue
• Eye damage
• Joint problems, including limited motion
• Reduced body movement due to too much muscle tone after birth

In adults, infection with the Zika virus may cause brain or nervous system complications, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, even in people who never show symptoms of infection.

Prevention Of Zika Virus………

Currently there is no specific medicine, treatment or vaccine discovered or invented for Zika virus. However, researchers are working on a vaccine for the Zika virus.

But for now, the best way to prevent zika virus infection is to avoid mosquito bites and reduce mosquito habitats. Special care must be taken for a pregnant women.

If you are living in or traveling to areas where the Zika virus is known to be, take steps to reduce your risk of mosquito bites:

• Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened housing- The mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus are most active from dawn to dusk, but they can also bite at night. Consider sleeping under a mosquito bed net, especially if you are outside.
• Wear protective clothing- When you go into mosquito-infested areas, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks, and shoes.
• Use insect repellent- When you are going out in the market or nearby park for a walk, do not forget to apply mosquito repellent cream on your exposed parts of the body. this will prevent mosquito bite.
• Reduce mosquito habitat- The mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus usually live in and around houses and breed in standing water that has collected in containers such as animal dishes, flowerpots and used automobile tires. At least once a week, empty any sources of standing water to help lower mosquito populations.

Stay Safe! Stay Healthy! 

Thank You!