The Zika virus is a mosquito-transmitted infection. During pregnancy, the virus can cause birth defects in newborn called microcephaly – a condition defined by small heads and brain damage, along with other defects like blindness, deafness, seizures and other congenital defects. Zika virus can also lead to Guillain-Barré syndrome, a form of temporary paralysis in adults, that has links to other neurological complications.
Below are some common and frequently asked questions along with their answers-
What are the symptoms of Zika infection?
The symptoms of Zika are similar to dengue and include fever, rarely higher than 102 degrees, skin rashes, bloodshot eyes, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.
How do people become infected?
Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected female mosquito, primarily the Aedes aegypti. This mosquito also spreads yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon/evening.
In India, before the on-going cases, the only time any trace of the Zika was recorded was in 1952-53. In a study titled ‘Neutralising antibodies against certain viruses in the sera of the residents of India’, published in a journal called The Journal of Immunology, recorded among other viruses, antibodies to the Zika virus. India, this year, registered its first case of Zika virus in Rajasthan after an elderly woman from Jaipur tested positive for the infection last month. The number increased to 55 on 21st October, 2018, prompting the Rajasthan Health Department to conduct a review meeting and set up medical teams in Shastri Nagar area. In a statement, the department said that out of 11,895 houses surveyed so far, 2,269 have been found positive for mosquito breeding.
There is neither any treatment nor any vaccine for Zika. The symptoms of Zika virus are mild – usually require common treatment like rest, drinking enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, the patient should seek medical care and advice.
