Earlier in 2017 there were two outbreaks of Zika virus in India and now it has again hit the country. Cases of people been attacked by this virus came from Jaipur and around 22 people are said to be tested positive for this virus too. This mosquito-borne illness is same as dengue and chikunguniya and spreads with mosquito bites . It is not that dangerous to anybody except pregnant women.
This virus when attacks a person has symptoms likes:
- Fever
- Skin rashes
- Muscle Joint pain
- Redness in the whites of eye
Things to know about Zika virus:
- First time this virus was found in Ahmedabad and then in Tamil Nadu.
- As per WHO, India stands in second category for the prevalence of Zika virus.
- The virus even spread with sex too
- Its symptoms are usually mild so many people may not feel any such changes in the body
- Presently, there is no vaccine for Zika virus and research for it is underway
- Unborn babies have higher risk from the virus
- This virus began in Africa and spread rapidly thereafter
- This infections during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with disabilities.
- Zika virus symptoms occur after 3 to 14 days from the bite of an infected mosquito.
- Pregnant ladies should take special care and precautions as it is very dangerous for them
Precautions to be taken to prevent it:
- Eliminate mosquito breeding areas
- Watch out symptoms and do not neglect them
- Avoid mosquito bites (apply repellents, wear full sleeve clothes etc)
- Empty unused containers like flower pots and drain any collected water
What to do after being detected with zika virus:
- There is no treatment for it at present but many people take medications for ache and pain
- The disease usually runs its course within a week
- One should rest a lot this time
- Take plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Take acetaminophen for fever and pain