Zika virus is spreading very quickly : Should we worry?

Zika virus is spreading very quickly: Zika virus is spreading very quickly in India, Zika virus is largely transmitted through bites, but can also occur through intrauterine infection. Zika virus was first reported in Uganda in 1947, but a Zika virus outbreak was not reported in the Americas until 2015. 

These days, Zika Virus is building its house in India and is getting complaining about spreading fast. People have a lot of fear of Zika virus, it is a pity that their vaccine is not present right now. The Indian union health ministry sent experts to try and contain an outbreak of the Zika virus in Jaipur (City of India), with a close watch on pregnant women. Zika virus spreading quickly in Jaipur and Bihar (State of India) is on alert .

Source of Zika Virus

Zika Virus Source

Zika virus is spreading very quickly

Twenty-two people in the city (Jaipur) have tested positive & Bihar is on high alert.In India Zika Virus is spreading very quickly. There is no vaccine for the virus, which can cause severe birth defects in unborn children.

What is Zika virus?

Zika virus is transmitted by daytime-active Aedes Aegypti mosquitos that also carry dengue, chikungunya viruses. Its name comes from the Zika Forest of Uganda, where the virus was first isolated in 1947 but a Zika virus outbreak was not reported in the Americas until 2015.

If a woman is bitten by an infected mosquito and becomes infected, Zika can cross into the placenta and affect the fetus. Sexual transmission of this virus can occur. Transmission has been reported from infected men and women to their sexual partners. The virus can be transmitted through anal, oral or vaginal sex.

Should we worry?

➤The Zika virus is strongly suspected to cause birth defects and neurological problems in newborns, which can be a problem given high birth rate in India.

➤Since India provides fertile climate for the aedes egypti mosquito to grow and multiply, an outbreak situation is possible.

➤The mosquito also carries dengue and chikungunya viruses that claim hundreds of lives and infect thousands every year

➤There are no vaccines or cure for Zika virus.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of this virus are generally mild, with fever, rash and joint pain present. Head and body-ache,Conjunctivitis.

What are the preventive measures?

Zika virus has become a public health concern, so how can you protect yourself from the mosquito-borne illness? Check mosquito breeding in and around your house. The mosquito that carries Zika Virus- Aedes Aegypti- breeds in fresh water. Don’t let water collect in birdbaths, planters, unused bottles, containers, discarded waste, tyres etc. Use mosquito repellants such as creams, gels, electronic mosquito repellants, patches, incense sticks. Use bed nets. Grow plants that are known to repel mosquitoes such as citronella, basil, lemon grass, lavender, mint, rosemary etc. Wear dresses that cover most of the body parts. Take special precautions during the day as Aedes Aegypti is a day-biting mosquito