Zika virus in India: Causes, symptoms, treatment. All you need to know

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito named Aedes aegypti.

Hyderabad: Thirty more Zika virus cases have been reported in Kanpur district, taking the tally to 66. The first case was reported on October 25. Later, the central government sent a multi-disciplinary team to Kanpur.

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito named Aedes aegypti. According to the World Health Organisation, the Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon or evening.

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What are the signs and symptoms of the Zika virus?

The incubation period of Zika virus disease is estimated to be 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 primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti, in tropical and subtropical regions. These mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon/evening. This 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 may be suspected based on symptoms of persons living in or visiting areas 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 from the Zika virus is preventing mosquito bites indoors and outdoors. Special attention should be given to the prevention of mosquito bites among pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and young children.

Such measures include:

·  Wear clothing, preferably light-coloured, that covers as much of the body as possible.

·  Using physical barriers such as window screens and closed doors and windows.

·  Applying insect repellent to skin or clothing that contains DEET, IR3535, or icaridin according to the product label instructions.

·  Sleep under mosquito nets.

Travellers 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 medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. Pregnant women living in areas with Zika transmission or who develop symptoms of Zika virus infection should seek medical attention for laboratory testing and other clinical care. 

Where do Aedes mosquitoes breed?

Aedes mosquitoes may breed in the water around homes, schools, and work sites. That’s why it is important to eliminate these mosquito breeding sites, including covering water storage containers, removing standing water in flower pots, and cleaning up trash 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.

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