Here's all you need to know about Zika virus

Pregnant women and young children need special protection from Zika virus

Covid-affected Kerala is now on alert due to the presence of the Zika virus in the state. After a 24-year-old pregnant woman of Thiruvananthapuram was first infected with this virus, 13 other cases have been reported in the state.

While the district administration has been asked to take all measures to deal with this situation, the fear of this viral infection, which is spread by mosquitoes, has developed across the country.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Zika virus:

How does the Zika virus spread?

The Zika virus is predominantly transmitted by infected mosquitoes from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti. The Aedes mosquitoes also spread dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. They usually bite during the daytime, mostly during the early morning or later afternoon.

Apart from the mosquitoes, an infected person can also spread the virus. This virus can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to the fetus, through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and organ transplantation.

Read | Intensify surveillance for Zika on war footing: Karnataka health commissioner to districts

What are the symptoms of the Zika virus?

While the symptoms of the Zika virus are mild, in case it gets worse, immediate medical attention is advised. Generally, the symptoms include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, or headache. It lasts for about two to seven days. Most infected people do not develop any symptoms.

What is the treatment?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Zika virus has no treatment or vaccine. WHO advises the consumption of a lot of fluids along with pain and fever medicines for a speedy recovery.

What are the side-effects of the Zika virus?

Zika virus infection in pregnant women can cause congenital abnormalities like microcephaly in the developing fetus or the newborn. It can also be a cause of complications during pregnancy.

In adults, the Zika virus infection triggers Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis.

Read | Central team of experts dispatched to Kerala to monitor Zika virus situation

How to prevent yourself from getting infected?

While the government takes mosquito control measures like spraying of pesticides, use of repellents, etc. one can also take such precautions at their own houses.

Being mindful to protect yourself from mosquito bites early in the morning and late afternoon is very important, especially because Zika virus-carrying mosquitoes are more active at that time.

Pregnant women and young children need special protection from the Zika virus as they have more complications from the infection. They should use mosquito nets while sleeping.

As the Zika virus can be transmitted sexually, WHO has advised counselling the masses to minimise the chances of conception during an outbreak of the Zika virus.