Zika Virus_ Disease

WHAT IS ZIKA VIRUS ?

Zika virus is a member of the Flaviviridae virus family and the Flavivirus genus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.  In humans, it causes a mild illness known as  Zika, Zika disease, or Zika fever, which since 1950s has been known to occur within a narrow equatorial belt from Africa to Asia.  In 2014, the virus spread eastward across the Pacific to French Polynesia, then to Easter Island and in 2015 to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean and is now considered pandemic.

Zika Virus Symtoms 

Symptoms  ::

* About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become ill

* The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, pain behind the eyes, and vomiting

* The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week

* Severe disease requiring hospitalisation is uncommon

* No death due to Zika has been reported in adults

THE US CDC ALERT & GUIDELINES   ::

* Maternal-foetal  transmission of Zika virus has been documented

* In a pregnant woman with laboratory evidence of Zika virus in serum or amniotic fluid, serial ultrasounds should be considered to monitor fetal anatomy and growth every 3-4 weeks. Referral to a maternal-foetal medicine or infectious disease specialist with expertise in pregnancy management is recommended.

* Because there is neither a vaccine nor medications available to prevent  Zika virus infection, it is recommended that all pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

* If a pregnant woman travels to an area with Zika virus transmission she should be advised to strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites.

* Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite both indoors and outdoors, mostly during the daytime; therefore, it is important to ensure protection from mosquitoes throughout the day.

* Mosquito prevention strategies include wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, using US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents, using permethrin-treated clothing and gear, and staying and sleeping in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms.

* There is no commercially available test for Zika virus. Testing for Zika virus infection is performed at Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and several state health departments. Health care providers should contact their state or local health department to facilitate testing and for assistance with interpreting results.

* For a live birth with evidence of maternal or foetal Zika virus infection, the CDC recommends examination of the placenta and umbilical cord; testing of frozen placental tissue and cord tissue for Zika virus RNA; and testing of cord serum for Zika and dengue virus IgM and neutralizing antibodies.

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                                    DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT : ....CLICK HERE ...