A Guide on the Mosquito-Borne Virus, Zika

Symptoms of Zika endure between two and seven days. Most people infected with the Zika virus don’t show any symptoms. In addition to preterm birth and loss, Zika virus infection increases the risk of several pregnancy-related problems.

Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis have been linked to this mosquito-borne virus infection in adults and children.

In Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, Zika virus outbreaks have been reported. In Africa and Asia, sporadic human infections with mild illness were reported in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

First Occurrence

Yap Island in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) was the site of the first documented Zika virus outbreak in 2007. In 2013, a significant outbreak of this mosquito-borne virus occurred in French Polynesia and other Pacific island nations and territories. Zika virus infection was first found in Brazil in March 2015 and then linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome in July of the same year.

The Zika virus was linked to microcephaly in Brazil in October 2015. There were numerous outbreaks and signs of transmission in various parts of the world within a few months. 

Symptoms of Zika Virus

Symptoms of Zika virus sickness can appear anywhere from 3 to 14 days after exposure. In most cases, the Zika virus does not cause symptoms in most people. Fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle pain, and headaches are common symptoms of Zika, and they typically last 2–7 days.

Zika Virus-Related Complications

Microcephaly and other abnormalities can be caused by Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Pregnancy problems such as stillbirth, preterm delivery, and foetal loss are also linked to Zika infection during pregnancy.

Pregnancy outcomes, techniques for prevention and care, and the consequences of Zika virus infection on other neurological disorders in children and adults are all being studied to date.

Transmission

When an Aedes aegypti mosquito-borne carries the Zika virus, it primarily spreads the disease in tropical and near-tropical areas. During the day,  Aedes mosquito-borne is most active between the hours of dawn and dusk. Dengue, chikungunya, and the other fever known as yellow fever are all spread by the same species of mosquitoes, the  Aedes mosquitoes.

Sexual contact, blood transfusion, and organ donation are all ways the Zika virus can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy.

Diagnosis

People who live or visit places where Zika virus transmission and  Aedes mosquito-borne vectors exist signal that the area might be prone to infection with the mosquito-borne Zika virus. It is only possible to diagnose Zika virus infection with the use of laboratory testing on samples of blood or other bodily fluids, such as urine or menstrual fluid.

When infected with the Zika virus, one will typically only experience mild symptoms. Several forms of help can be given to those experiencing symptoms of Zika. If their symptoms increase, they should prepare and ask for medical attention and counselling.

Transmission During Pregnancy 

Microcephaly (a smaller-than-normal head) and other birth problems can be caused by Zika virus transmission from mother to foetus, a condition known as congenital Zika syndrome.

Microcephaly is a result of underlying brain abnormalities or tissue loss caused due to the mosquito-borne virus. Child outcomes are influenced by the severity of brain damage inflicted on the child.

Transmission Through Sex

The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises men and women returning from Zika to abstain from conceiving for six months in virus-infected areas and two months in locations where Zika virus transmission has not yet commenced. 

The Zika virus and its impacts and prevention, surveillance, and controlling the rules and the plans have made significant strides in recent years.

It ensures that Zika virus infection and its subsequent complications are tracked and monitored comprehensively.

Advice on How to Deal With the Zika Virus

Zika virus infection can be prevented partly by avoiding mosquito bites during the day and into the early evening. Pregnant women should take extra precautions to prevent mosquito-borne bites.

A mosquito net for youngsters and pregnant ladies is recommended if they sleep during the day or early evenings. Travellers and those who live in mosquito-infested areas should take the same easy precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Aedes mosquitoes’ species usually grow in pools of water. To prevent mosquitoes from breeding, removing these mosquito breeding environments requires water storage containers, flower pots with standing water, and used tyres. Local government and public health policies rely on the community’s support to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent or treat an infection with the Zika virus. Efforts to develop a Zika vaccine continue to be a focus of study.

Pregnant women living in locations where Zika transmission has occurred should be sought medical attention.

Conclusion:

The ability of laboratories worldwide to screen for the Zika virus will be improved by this initiative of controlling Aedes mosquitoes through adopting and monitoring vector control techniques. 

Currently, Infected people are receiving greater assistance and care against this mosquito-borne disease.