The whole world is buzzing about the new rapidly spreading
virus Zika. It’s transmitted to people via mosquito bites. People who
contracted this virus experience fever, rashes, joint pain and redness in the
eyes. Most commonly it doesn’t have any severe consequences and the symptoms
last from a few days up to a week. The cases where hospitalization is required
are quite rare and uncommon.
The Pan American Health Organization first alerted the
public about the Zika virus infection in May 2015. The first reported case was in Brazil. After the
outbreak in Brazil there were reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome and pregnant
women who contracted the virus faced serious and unfortunate consequences.
There were many pregnancy which ended with poor outcomes and birth defects.
There are 5 crucial things you need to know about this virus
and you need to share this information with everyone you know so that people
can get more informed. This will lower the risk of further spreading the
disease.
02. The culprit for this viral infection is the Aedes mosquito with an active infection. When they bite a human they transmit the infection and the person who was bitten becomes a carrier for as long as he has the symptoms.
03. The CDC reports that the virus is currently transmitted
locally in Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Dominican Republic,
Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti,
Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin,
Suriname, Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Venezuela.
04. Since there is not a cure or treatment available against the
virus all you can do to protect yourself from the virus is to avoid travelling
to the countries where it’s present. If you must travel to any of the
abovementioned countries safety measures and precautions are strongly advised
by the CDC. Never go anywhere without an EPA-approved repellent over sunscreen,
always wear long pants and long-sleeved blouses which thick enough to block a
mosquito bite, and sleep in air-conditioned, screened rooms.
05. Scientists all around the globe are working non-stop in
efforts to create a Zika virus vaccine but so far have been unsuccessful. Until
they succeed in their efforts traditional mosquito control methods are being
enforced. Spraying pesticides and emptying standing water receptacles where
mosquitoes breed are just one of these measures. Local homeowners, hoteliers,
tourists and everyone in fact is encouraged by the CDC to actively participate
by eliminating standing water anywhere they see.
Studies show local control effective only marginally,
because it’s so hard to get to every breeding area out there. Especially if we
consider the fact that Aedes aegypti has evolved to live near humans and “can
replicate in flower vases and other tiny sources of water,” according to
microbiologist Brian Foy. All of this makes finding and exterminating the
mosquitoes even more difficult.
Source : Mrhealthylife