The recent spate of Zika virus infections in Pune and Sangli areas of
Maharashtra is a matter of grave concern. Vector-borne diseases are everywhere.
Unlike other viral infections, Zika virus-infected patients are at the
receiving end. The onset of the monsoon sees a lot of dengue and malaria
infections, and the spread of Zika is adding to the woes.
Zika virus has an association with microcephaly and other neurological
diseases. Guillain-Barre syndrome has been associated with the virus.
A brief history
The Zika virus was first noticed in monkeys in Uganda in 1947. Sparse
incidents of a Zika outbreak were reported from a few places globally. Brazil
reported severe cases of the Zika virus in 2015 and 2016. The virus also marked
its presence in Africa, the Pacific, and the Americas.
India also reported an incidence of the Zika virus in Gujarat in 2016.
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Delhi registered
Zika reported Zika outbreaks in the past.
Causes
Tropical countries have major mosquito infestations due to favorable weather
conditions to survive. Aedes mosquitoes serve as the carriers for the Zika
virus. The virus leads to congenital disabilities. Accumulated water is a
favorable breeding ground for mosquitoes. The mosquitoes wreak havoc and carry
various diseases. Zika belongs to arthropod-borne virus, and the genus is
Flavivirus. Zika’s genus is related to dengue, West Nile virus, Japanese
Encephalitis, and Yellow Fever.
The symptoms
Zika virus impacts the nervous system. The virus spreads through sex or from
the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. The symptoms include joint and muscle
pain, rash, fever, headaches, and conjunctivitis.
Congenital Zika virus symptoms can have severe repercussions on newborns.
Babies suffer from smaller head sizes and brain development challenges—feeding
problems, hearing loss, seizures, and contractures.
Brazil and Latin American countries reported microcephaly due to the Zika
virus. The condition leads to babies born with small heads.
Underdeveloped brains lead to brain calcifications and other common neuro disorders.
Prevention
The prevention measures revolve around eradicating mosquitoes. Spraying and
fogging, in addition to removing accumulated water, will help to prevent
mosquito breeding and keep the vectors at bay. Insect repellent, wearing
long-sleeved clothes, etc., will prevent the Zika virus from spreading. Using
mosquito nets while sleeping can prevent bites. Taking time to fix the mosquito
net daily will help prevent the virus.
Treatment
There are no specific treatments to cure the Zika virus. The symptoms go
away while one recovers. Resting and staying hydrated will aid a patient’s
quick recovery.
Quick medical intervention, blood tests, and medicines to reduce fever help
in faster recovery. With no available vaccine, there is a lurking danger with
Zika.
More Surveillance
Mosquito-borne diseases are common in India. Due to the outbreak of these
diseases, the healthcare sector is under severe stress. The health department
is conducting many preventive measures.
Zika virus is a deadly disease. Eradicating
mosquitoes will help prevent the disease from spreading. More public awareness
is necessary.
