What You Need To Know About the Zika Virus

If you travel a lot, you will need to spare some minutes to read this article and learn about Zika virus. Zika virus is a flavivirus that is caused by mosquitoes; it was first identified in the eastern part of Africa-Uganda in 1947, but the virus was found in monkeys. However, in 1952, in Tanzania, and Uganda, the virus was found in humans.

Zika outbreak has been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. In addition, there were sporadic cases of human infections across Africa and Asia from the 1960s to 1980s, and it was typically accompanied by mild illness, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Zika virus outbreak was first recorded in 2007 in the Island of Yap-Federated States of Micronesia and then 2013 in French Polynesia and other countries and territory in the Pacific. Brazil reported an outbreak of rash illness in March 2015, which was later identified as Zika virus infection, and it was found to be connected to the Guillain-Barré syndrome (temporary paralysis) in July 2015.

Furthermore, Brazil reported a connection between Zika virus infection and microcephaly in October 2015. The outbreaks and evidence of the transmission of the infection soon appeared all through Africa, the Americas, and other regions of the world. Currently, mosquito-transmitted Zika infection has been recorded in 86 countries and territories.

We may not know what instigated the mosquito-transmitted Zika virus, but it is spreading quickly, and it may have a significant impact on our health.

What are the risks and symptoms of Zika virus?

The common symptoms of Zika virus are red eyes (conjunctivitis), rash, fever, and joint pain. Although the illness is usually mild, the symptoms can last for several days and a week in some cases after the infected mosquito bite. The infected person may not know he or she has the virus because of the mildness of the symptoms. Moreover, people usually do not get sick enough to see their doctor, and the virus hardly kills its victim. However, there are two main risks if someone is affected by the Zika virus.

Once a pregnant woman is infected, it may infect the baby and cause microcephaly and brain injury.

There may be a temporary paralysis, also known as the Guillain-Barré syndrome, although there is a slim chance of getting the Guillain-Barré syndrome.

What are the areas with Zika virus transmission?
The United States, as well as many other countries and territories, have reported cases of mosquito-transmitted Zika virus. Unfortunately, the virus is likely to spread to new areas. It is advisable to speak to your doctor before embarking on trips and to know more about the Zika virus.

How can the Zika virus be transmitted?
• The primary source of this disease is mosquito; anyone can be affected if an infected Aedes species bite him or her.
• Through mother to her unborn baby- when a pregnant woman is infected with the virus, there is a high chance that the mother will transmit the virus to her baby during pregnancy and around the time of delivery.
• Through sexual intercourse
• Through blood transfusion, though this means of Zika transmission has not been recorded in the United States till date.

Precautions against Zika virus
One should be careful when traveling to see other cities or region, especially pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant.
• Pregnant women should postpone their travel plans to regions with cases of Zika virus transmission
• Inform your doctor before embarking on any compulsory journey
• Pregnant women should consult with their obstetrician if they have visited any areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission.
• Use insect repellents containing DEET, lemon oil, picaridin, and ensure they are EPA-registered. Fortunately, pregnant and breastfeeding women can use all EPA-registered insect repellents. Strictly follow product instruction.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gears like socks, pants, boots, and tents.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened-in rooms

Encourage yourself in the Lord

Be careful in all that you do. It should always be about protecting you and your loved ones at all times. You must care for your body which is the temple of God. The proper care for your physical body allows you a better quality of life, and your soul will need a resting place when you leave this present world. What better place than Heaven?

Encourage Yourself In the Lord, through Body & Soul