The Zika Virus – Do We Really Need to Worry?

The pesky mosquito is notorious for spreading a whole lot of ailments. Be it dengue, malaria, elephantiasis, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya or the latest Zika - they all come from the same source: mosquitoes. The Zika virus was first discovered way back in 1947 in the dense forests of Uganda and was only confined to African regions and Latin America.

Of late, this virus has spread it wings so considerably that the WHO has declared it a menace. The WHO stated that 4 million people are prone to get affected by the virus later this year 2016. The WHO also advises pregnant women not to travel to South American countries and Caribbean regions since these areas are rampant with the virus.

Which Mosquito spreads the Zika Virus?

The Aedes mosquito is responsible for spreading the Zika virus. The same species of mosquito is also accountable for spreading yellow fever, chikungunya, and dengue. It has the ability to thrive in very little quantities of water - even in a small bottle cap! The mosquito is contrary to other counterparts since it is not much active at night but attacks during the day.

Where Does the Zika Mosquito Live/Breed?

The Aedes mosquito can live in any quantity of water and can breed in the following areas:

1. Any source of water

2. Air conditioner ducts

3. Old tires lying outside

4. Flower pots with stagnant water

5. Unused water coolers

6. Dripping trays

The Ades mosquito can thrive in wet and warm weather conditions and can lay hundreds of eggs in a 2” bottle cap or even a smaller place.

The Spread and Its Prevention

The Zika virus spreads when an Aedes mosquito bites a healthy person after biting an infected individual. To evade this menace, experts recommend keeping the surroundings clean and getting rid of stagnant water round your home.

Other preventive measures are:

1. Liberal usage of mosquito repellants

2. Securing empty/unused flower pots around the house

3. Not allowing water to remain stagnant (in vessels, containers, etc.)

4. Wear protective clothing at all times (long sleeved apparel, socks, and pants)

How Zika Affects Infants & Pregnant Women?

The Zika virus is believed to promote microcephaly in the unborn babies of infected expecting women. Children suffering with microcephaly have abnormally small brains and heads and show signs of damage.

It was only towards the end of 2015 that doctors in North Brazil noticed several instances of infants suffering with microcephaly. The results are not only a small head, but loss of hearing and abnormal brain development too.

Any Deaths caused by Zika?

So far, Columbia is the only region that has reported three deaths (suspected to be caused by the Zika virus). While it is still unascertained that the losses are due to the virus, another case of predicament was reported in India. Fortunately, the victim in India was just a car with the same name manufactured by Tata Motors. The soon to be launched Zica (car) is now undergoing a name change and will be rebranded due to apparent reasons.

What are the Symptoms, Cure and Vaccine for Zika?

The symptoms usually are red eyes, joint pains, fever and rashes. People complaining of mild symptoms can be cured in a few days (at the most a week) and hospitalization is not mandatory. Adequate intake of fluids for preventing dehydration and administration of paracetamol or acetaminophen is sufficient for managing fevers. All medications must be taken after a physician’s prescription.

Indian scientists and research centers are preparing a treatment/vaccine for curing people from the Zika virus.

Even as the virus threat is real and increasing, of late, pregnant women who may have visited any affected countries of the Caribbean and South America and during their pregnancy must take extreme precaution. While the world still figures out a positive cure for the virus, we must remain alert and take preventive care at all times.

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