Hyderabad: Thirty more cases of Zika virus have been reported in Kanpur district, bringing the score to 66. The first case was reported on 25 October. Later, the central government sent a multi-disciplinary team to the city in Uttar Pradesh.
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito called Aedes aegypti. According to the World Health Organization, Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, with a peak in the early morning and late afternoon or evening.
What are the signs and symptoms of the Zika virus?
The incubation period of Zika virus disease is estimated at 3-14 days. The majority of people infected with this virus do not develop symptoms that are generally mild, including fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. Symptoms usually last for 2-7 days.
How is it transmitted?
Zika virus is mainly transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito of the genus Aedes, mainly Aedes aegypti, in tropical and subtropical regions. These mosquitoes usually bite during the day and reach a peak in the early morning and late afternoon / evening. It is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.
The virus is also transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and organ transplantation.
How is it diagnosed?
Zika virus cases can be suspected based on symptoms of people living in areas or visits with Zika virus transmission and / or Aedes mosquito vectors. The infection can only be confirmed by laboratory tests of blood or other body fluids, such as urine or semen.
How can the Zika virus be prevented?
The best protection against the Zika virus is to prevent mosquito bites inside and out. Special attention should be paid to the prevention of mosquito bites among pregnant women, women of childbearing age and young children.
Such measures include:
· Wear clothes, preferably light-colored, that cover as much of the body as possible.
· Use physical barriers such as window screens and closed doors and windows.
· Apply insect repellent to skin or clothing containing DEET, IR3535 or icaridin according to the product labeling instructions.
· Sleep under mosquito nets.
Travelers and those living in affected areas should take the same basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
How is it treated?
There is no treatment available for Zika virus infection. Symptoms of this are usually mild. People with symptoms should get plenty of rest, drink fluids and treat pain and fever with common medications. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. Pregnant women living in areas with Zika transmission or who are developing symptoms of Zika virus infection should seek medical help for laboratory tests and other clinical care.
Where do Aedes mosquitoes breed?
Aedes mosquitoes can breed in the water around homes, schools and workplaces. This is why it is important to eliminate these mosquito breeding sites, including covering water storage containers, removing standing water in flower pots, and disposing of garbage and used tires.
Is any vaccine available?
No vaccine is yet available for the prevention or treatment of Zika virus infection. The development of a Zika vaccine remains an active area of research.
Source: Telangana Today