adminDr Tendai Zuze
IF you have been following the news lately you would probably have heard of the Zika virus disease which is causing ‘havoc’ in the Americas and in other countries. The Zika virus, which causes this disease, was actually first discovered in Africa in the 1940s and there have been outbreaks on and off since then.
It is difficult to determine how this virus will spread and it may only be a matter of time before it comes to Zimbabwe and indeed Mutare.
Fortunately, only about one in five people infected with the Zika virus actually become sick and develop symptoms. The most common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pains, red eyes, muscle ache and headache. It is not known exactly how long it takes to develop the disease after exposure to the virus, but it may take a few days to a week. Zika is rarely fatal and most people just experience a mild illness which may last up to a week. After the illness has resolved, the virus may remain in your body and you may be infectious for a few days.
Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These are the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in things like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases.
They prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people. Mosquitoes that spread chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are aggressive daytime biters. They can also still bite at night. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.
A mother already infected with Zika virus near the time of delivery can pass on the virus to her new-born around the time of birth. Zika is not thought to spread via breast milk and even Zika infected mothers should continue to breastfeed. Blood transfusion and sexual contact can also lead to transmission of the virus.
There is no vaccine to prevent or specific medicine to treat Zika infections. Should you catch this virus you need to:
Get plenty of rest.
Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
Take medicine such as paracetamol to relieve fever and pain.
Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication.
To reduce your chance of getting Zika you essentially need to prevent mosquito bites and avoid travelling to outbreak areas. You need to remember that Zika spreading mosquitoes bite mostly during the day. Prevent mosquito bites by doing the following:
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
Sleep under an insecticide treated mosquito net.
Use insect repellents. When used as directed, registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breast-feeding women.
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items.
Zika virus disease in itself is a mild illness but it can lead to serious complications especially in pregnant women. Zika has been linked to causing birth defects, babies with abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains. Some countries have gone so far as to ask women to postpone pregnancy. It is even thought that Zika can cause problems in future pregnancies.In other people it can cause a disease called Guillain-Barrewhich is a rare disorder that can cause spinal cord inflammation and paralysis. Other complications are still being discovered.
If you have concerns around Zika, please visit your doctor.
Online Reporter