As per the report, the numbers of cases of Zika virus in India are increasing everyday with 72 cases this year making it the highest ever.
So let’s learn, stay alert and combat this deadly disease.
What is Zika Virus ?
Zika virus disease is a viral infection that is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, which is found throughout the world.
When a mosquito bites a person infected with a Zika virus, the virus enters the mosquito. When the infected mosquito then bites another person, the virus enters that person’s bloodstream.
Spread of the virus through sexual contact and blood transfusion has also been reported.
These are the same species of mosquitoes that transmits dengue, chikungunya virus and yellow fever.
What are the Symptoms of Zika virus ?
In most cases, people infected with Zika virus have no signs and symptoms, while others develop mild symptoms, including-
- fever
- rashes
- muscle pain
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
- headache
The symptoms usually last for 2-7 days.
Zika virus infections during pregnancy have been linked to birth defects, such as microcephaly – where babies are born with underdeveloped heads and brain damage.
The mosquito-borne disease has also been linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves.
How can Zika virus be treated ?
Zika has no treatment or vaccine. The symptoms of Zika virus are mild – usually require common treatment like rest, drinking enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines.
If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical advice and take proper treatment.
Prevention is better than Cure!
As there’s no vaccine for protection against Zika, we should focus on protecting ourselves from getting infected.
Hence, protection against mosquito bites is a key measure to prevent the deadly infection.
Follow below tips for Zika virus prevention
- Use Goodknight everyday which will help you to be safe anytime.
- The mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus are most active from dawn to dusk, but they can also bite at night. Use mosquito repellents at home and stay safe.
- Ensure there are no mosquitoes breeding in and around your house. Since the Aedes mosquito breeds in fresh water, make sure to throw out the water collected in plants, unused bottles, buckets, birdbaths, etc. Use Goodknight Activ+ System to keep your house free of mosquitoes.
- If you are going out, make sure to use personal mosquito repellents like Goodknight Fabric Roll-On, Patches and Cool Gel. These provide 8-hours of protection.
- Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes; this will help in protecting from the mosquito bites.
- If you are traveling to places where there is a Zika outbreak, be extra careful and once you are back, get the test done immediately.
- Use screens on windows and doors.
- Use air conditioner, if available
- Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are outside or for babies younger than 2 months old.
References:
- https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/zika-virus-in-rajasthan-symptoms-causes-5-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-fatal-mosquitoborne-infection/289135 .
- https://indianexpress.com/article/india/zika-virus-all-you-need-to-know-4676548/
*Disclaimer : Sponsored post. The content in this post is purely meant for educational purpose only and not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment.
*PC : Shutterstock
