The World Health Organization declared a
global alert as the Zika virus continues to spread and infect people from all
over the world. This was reported by international news on Monday, February 1,
2016.
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| Mosquitoes that transmit the Zika virus |
The Zika virus has no immunization and cure
so far, and scientists are working double time to counter its deadly effect. Reportedly,
it’s most harmful to pregnant women, as proven by Zika infected women in
Brazil.
It’s dangerous also because 80% of those
infected are asymptomatic (no symptoms). Those who displayed symptoms
experience red eyes, fever, joint pains, rashes, muscle pain and headache.
These symptoms are generally mild and may last for a few days up to a week for
adults, but for babies the effect is fatal; microcephaly or other deadly brain defects
can result.
The Zika virus mode of transmission is
through mosquito bites, which usually bites during the daytime. It has been
reported to be rarely transmitted through blood transfusion. It’s also believed
that Dengue Fever chikungunya viruses are transmitted by the same mosquito.
CDC had provided travel notices for pregnant
tourists who want to travel abroad, and had issued a geographic location of
areas infected with the Zika virus.
People are advised to implement the following
precautions issued by CDC. (http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html)
People who are suspect and infection
must visit a doctor immediately, drink lots of water, and get plenty of rest. They can take
acetaminophen but not aspirin.
The Zika Virus can be prevented by avoiding the growth of mosquitoes by eliminating water sources that could harbor the growth of mosquitoes.
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