A new problem has rised among the Coronavirus pandemic, attacks of Zika virus in India have been witnessed in the past days in the Kerala region. This new virus has killed 14 people till now in Kerala as the deaths have been confirmed including a pregnant woman. When Zika virus symptoms were found in these patients, their samples were directly sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune.

These samples were examined there and the Zika virus infection was confirmed. It is observed that the transmission of the Zika virus in India occurred due to the bite of AEDES mosquitoes which are mainly found active during the day. It has been reported that this virus infection has not spread in India for the first time. There were few cases of this infection that were detected in the past years in Ahmedabad and Gujarat including a pregnant woman.

Here in this post, we will be talking more about this virus, its symptoms, and the preventive measures that can be taken to control the spread of the Zika virus in India.

WHAT ACTUALLY IS ZIKA VIRUS?

Zika virus is basically a disease-causing virus that is mainly spread when an infected AEDES mosquito bites a normal person and it has been observed that these mosquitoes are generally active during the day and night.

These are the same mosquitoes that are responsible for transmitting dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.

The virus can easily be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her foetus and cause severe congenital malformations in the infants and microcephaly too. It can also cause complications in pregnancy like preterm birth and miscarriage. It has also been reported that this disease can also be transmitted by the infected individuals to their sex partners.

ZIKA VIRUS SYMPTOMS

Mild fever, joint pain, red eyes, and rashes on the skin are some common symptoms of the Zika virus. Other signs may include headache, muscle pain, eye pain, fatigue, or a general feeling of discomfort, abdominal pain. Also, sometimes no symptoms are recorded in some individuals. The spread of the Zika virus in India is highly dangerous to pregnant women as it can lead to severe congenital defects in their newborns. For example, microcephaly, a defect in which the brain of the infant is small and underdeveloped.

How to prevent Zika virus spread?

Aedes mosquitos and their breeding grounds are a major source of Zika virus infection. Mosquito prevention and control entails reducing mosquito populations by removing and modifying breeding areas, as well as reducing mosquito-human interaction.

It is highly important to empty, clean, or cover water-storing containers like buckets, flower pots, or tyres so as to eliminate breeding areas. Wearing long pants and sleeved shirts would help a lot. Mosquito netting can be used to cover a baby’s crib. Look for a place to stay with air conditioning or screens to keep insects outside. Permethrin is an insecticide that can be used to treat clothing to prevent the spread. If you’re sleeping outside, use a mosquito bed net is advisable.

It is also advised that the partners who have been infected by the Zika virus in India should be practicing safe sex or completely abstrain from it.

How is Zika diagnosed?

A blood or urine test is conducted to detect Zika virus infection. There are some tests that detect the virus in the body, as well as serological tests that look for antibodies your body produces to fight infection. Although this test does not seem to be as accurate, because the same test can detect viruses like chikungunya and dengue.If a person develops symptoms after visiting a high-risk area or having unprotected intercourse with a partner who has visited an area where Zika is common, Zika testing is usually indicated.

It is recommended that pregnant women who may have been exposed to Zika be tested. If a prenatal ultrasound reveals probable Zika-related problems, your doctor may advise getting tested for infection.

Complications of Zika virus in India

Although the majority of people recover from Zika within a week, the infection can still cause catastrophic consequences. Pregnant women are supposed to take extra care to protect themselves as the Zika virus infection has been related to miscarriage and birth abnormalities. Women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant should postpone travel to locations where Zika is a risk, according to the CDC. If pregnant women must travel, they should consult their doctor ahead of time to strategize a plan to avoid mosquito bites and practice safe sex.

Because the virus can persist in sperm for a long time, the CDC advises men who want to have a family not to have unprotected intercourse for at least three months after any probable Zika exposure or symptoms.

There is no vaccine for Zika, and because there are no effective antiviral medicines, therapy for the virus mainly consists of managing the symptoms. The CDC suggests that you do the following to alleviate viral symptoms:

To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water.

Get a lot of rest.

To relieve pain and fever, take acetaminophen.

Without consulting your doctor, don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).

If you become infected with the Zika virus, tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking.

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