What is ZIKA Virus?
The Zika virus, first identified in Uganda in 1947, is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the same type of mosquito that carries dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya virus. A mosquito bites an infected person and then passes those viruses to other people it bites. It was later identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. The first large outbreak of disease caused by Zika infection was reported from the Island of Yap (Federated States of Micronesia) in 2007.
How it is transmitted?
Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon/evening. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya virus and yellow fever.
Zika can spread through Sexual transmission, usually, after a person traveled to an area where Zika has broken out, got the virus, and gave the virus to a sex partner who did not travel. Infected women and men can both pass the virus to sex partners even if they haven’t shown symptoms of infection, In addition, infected pregnant women can pass the virus on to their fetus. Other modes of transmission such as blood transfusion.
What are the symptoms of ZIKA virus disease?
Most people don’t have any symptoms, only about 1 in 5 people with the virus will exhibit symptoms, If symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and last around 2 to 7 days after a bite from an infected mosquito.
Symptoms of Zika virus infection:
- rash
- itching all over the body
- fever
- headache
- joint pain (with possible swelling, mainly in the smaller joints of the hands and feet)
- muscle pain
- conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- lower back pain
- pain behind the eyes
.A diagnosis of Zika virus infection can only be confirmed through laboratory tests on blood or other body fluids, such as urine, saliva or semen.
What are the Complications of Zika virus disease?
Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain abnormalities, including microcephaly and that Zika virus is a trigger of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
What is Microcephaly?
Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is smaller than those of other babies of the same age and sex. Microcephaly happens when there is either a problem in utero, causing the baby’s brain to stop growing properly, or after birth when the head stops growing properly. Children born with microcephaly often have developmental challenges as they grow older. In some cases, children with microcephaly develop entirely normally. Microcephaly can be caused by a variety of environmental and genetic factors such as Down syndrome; exposure to drugs, alcohol or other toxins in the womb and rubella infection during pregnancy.
What is congenital Zika syndrome?
In addition to congenital microcephaly, a range of manifestations has been reported among babies up to 4 weeks old where there has been exposure to Zika virus in utero. 5 types of birth defects, including severe microcephaly, that are unique to Zika or rarely occur with other infections in pregnant women. They are:
- Decreased brain tissue with calcium deposits indicating brain damage
- Damage to the back of the eye
- Limited range of motion in joints, such as clubfoot
- Too much muscle tone, which restricts movement
Those effects in babies are called congenital Zika syndrome.
Not all children with congenital Zika virus syndrome present with microcephaly. On the other hand, failure to observe signs of congenital Zika virus syndrome, particularly when assessed in utero, does not necessarily mean that the fetus or newborn does not have abnormalities. For example, hearing abnormalities may not be assessed in utero but only after birth. Some signs such as seizures may develop only after birth.
What is the treatment for ZIKA virus symptoms?
There is no specific treatment for Zika virus symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and taking paracetamol may help relieve symptoms. The disease usually runs its course within a week or so. The infected people must take plenty of rest, drink fluids to prevented take acetaminophen for fever and pain,
There is no vaccine against Zika, but the National Institutes of Health is testing one in humans. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice.
Who is at risk of being infected?
Where you live, your travel history and the travel history of your sex partner(s) can affect your chances of getting Zika. Anyone who is living in or traveling to an area where Zika virus is found.
Many people infected with Zika won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. However, a pregnant woman, even one without symptoms, can pass Zika to her developing fetus. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Zika virus primarily spreads when a mosquito infected with Zika bites you. Zika also spread through sexual transmission with a man or woman who has Zika. Sex includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex and the sharing of sex toys. Zika can pass through sex even if the person does not have symptoms at the time.
In which countries ZIKA Virus popular?
The number of countries and territories that had reported mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission as of November 16, 2017, by WHO region. As of this time, the total number of countries/territories that had reported mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission had reached 85, of which 49 were in the Americas.
Zika virus disease has reached India, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirming first three cases in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare – Government of India (MoHFW) reported three laboratory-confirmed cases of Zika virus disease in Bapunagar area, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat State, in India.
How can ZIKA be prevented?
The best protection from Zika virus is preventing mosquito bites indoors and outdoors, especially from sunrise to sunset when mosquitos are most active.
Such measures include:
- Use mosquito repellent in accordance with the instructions indicated on the product label.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers
- Sleeping or resting in screened or air-conditioned rooms
- Using mosquito nets
Other measures:
- Using a condom when staying in an area with active Zika transmission and continuing to do so for at least eight weeks after returning from this area will reduce the risk of sexual transmission. If symptoms were experienced, condoms should be used for six months following the cessation of symptoms.
- Travellers returning from Zika-affected areas are not allowed to donate blood until the risk of infection has passed, which is 28 days after returning from a Zika-affected area.
How is Zika virus disease diagnosed?
Zika virus infection can be diagnosed using laboratory testing. Healthcare providers may order blood tests to look for Zika if a patient has compatible symptoms with Zika virus disease and has recently traveled in an affected area.
Products & its benefits
Use Good knight Personal Repellent Cool Gel or Good Knight Fabric Roll On Personal Repellent (8ml, Bubblegum) and protect your family from mosquitoes throughout the day both indoors and outdoors.
Features:
- 100% Natural Formula.
- It provides Up to 8 hours of protection.
- Contains Aloe Vera.
- It is child safe and certified by the pediatrician.
- It is Skin friendly cool gel with the pleasant fragrance and superior skin feel.
Features:
Good knight Activ+ Low Smoke Coil
Features:
- Power formula ensures 12 hours of protection
- Active filter technology ensures lesser smoke
- Protects your family from mosquitoes spreading diseases like dengue, chikungunya.
Conclusion:
I have mentioned 3 products of Good Knight which you can use in outdoor and indoor also like repellent cream. Also, I mentioned about Low smoke coil so that during power off or place with no electricity where you can easily take the protection from the GoodKnight Low smoke coil.
The protection of your family is depending on your hands and there is always a saying that prevention is better than cure. Because a healthy family is a key to happiness. So live a healthy and happy life by using these Good Knight products and protect your family from dangerous mosquitoes.
Bravery Truth !! 