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KERALA ON ALERT FOR ZIKA VIRUS

Imprints Academy

1. Where was Zika virus identified first?

  • Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys.
  • It was later identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.

2. What causes Zika virus?

  • Zika virus disease is caused by a virus known as flavivirus

3. What is the vector for Zika virus?

  • Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). 

4. How do people get infected with Zika?

  • Zika is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus).
  • A pregnant woman can pass Zika to her foetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth.
  • A person with Zika can pass it to his or her sex partners
  • Transfusion of blood and blood products, and organ transplantation.

5. What time of day does the Aedes mosquito bite? 

  • Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon/evening.

6. What are the other mosquito borne diseases caused by flavivirus?

  • Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile viruses,

7. What is the incubation period of Zika virus?

  • The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is estimated to be 3–14 days

8. What are the symptoms of Zika?

  • Many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms.
  • The most common symptoms of Zika are

           * Fever
           * Rash
           * Headache
           * Joint pain
           * Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
           * Muscle pain

9. What are the complications of Zika?

  • Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly that is a sign of incomplete brain development.

10. What is the treatment for Zika?

  • There is no treatment available for Zika virus infection or its associated diseases.

Treat the symptoms.

  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Take medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to reduce fever and pain.
  • Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding.
  • If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider bessfore taking additional medication.

11. What can people do to prevent Zika?

  • Protection against mosquito bites during the day and early evening is a key measure to prevent Zika virus infection.
  • Special attention should be given to prevention of mosquito bites among pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and young children.