Latest News about Zika Virus

Story of the Zika Virus

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) are warning about yet another virus epidemic, the Zika virus. It may seem like such warnings are overblown, but they do need to be taken seriously.

WHO warns the world about Zika Virus

Zika Virus:-

The Zika Virus (Flaviviridae, an arbovirus) is spread through Aedes mosquito bites, the same mosquitoes that also spread Dengue fever. The infections themselves are usually mild, causing fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. Many of those infected may even have a subclinical infection, meaning they do not notice any symptoms.

However, the infection can have complications. There is one case reported of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) following a Zika infection. GBS causes inflammation of the lining of nerves resulting primarily in weakness with variable recovery. This does not appear to be a huge risk, but something to monitor.

The bigger concern is about pregnant women being infected. There are numerous reports of poor pregnancy outcomes, mostly microcephaly, in women who have been infected with Zika while pregnant. Microcephaly means small head, and results from poor brain development.

There is currently no treatment for a Zika infection (other than usual supportive care if necessary). There is also no vaccine.

Prevention:-

• No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus desease (Zica).
• Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites (see below
• Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime. 

 
When traveling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes are found, take the following steps:

      Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

• Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

If you have a baby or child:

• Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age.

• Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or
• Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
• Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin.
• Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items. 

• Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See product information to learn how long the protection will last.
• If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.
• Do NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.

If you have Zika, protect others from getting sick

• During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.
• To help prevent others from getting sick, avoid mosquito bites during the first week of illness.