What is Zika Virus?
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the Aedes mosquitoes that spread the zika virus illness bite during the day, with the first symptoms appearing between two and seven days later.The majority of those who are said to have the virus exhibit no outward symptoms.
In addition to microcephaly, the WHO notes that congenital Zika syndrome is another congenital abnormality that may affect babies. Ad22012ditionally, the condition has been connected to pregnancy related issues including premature delivery and miscarriage.
A Zika virus infection increases the chance of developing neurologic problems in both adults and children, including myelitis, neuropathy, and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
New Zika Virus Findings
Researchers from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology were in charge of the new study, which was published on Monday, September 12, in the journal Nature Communications. Due to the lack of vaccinations and antiviral medications, the study team saw the zika virus as a danger toworld health.
As a result, the scientists created a genomic profiling technique and discovered that it specifically targets immune system trustworthy cells.
By compelling the dendritic cells to cease responding or functioning as immune cells, the virus is able to do this. Dendritic cells are regarded as important cells of the “innate immune system,” according to Professor Sujan Shresta, Ph.D., a professor at La Jolla, as quoted by Medical Xpress.
It is currently unknown if the study’s results will lead to the creation of a vaccine to prevent the zika virus.
Symptoms of Zika Virus
Up to 4 out of 5 Zika virus infected individuals show no symptoms at all.
When signs do appear, they typically start two to fourteen days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito.
Most individuals totally recover after a week or so of symptoms.
- Mild fever
- Rash
- Joint pain, particularly in the hands or feet
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Eye pain
- Fatigue or a general feeling of discomfort
- Abdominal pain
Causes of Zika Virus
The most common way for the Zika virus to infect a person is via the bite of an infected mosquito. Two aedes species mosquitoes, which may be found all over the globe, are among the mosquitoes that are known to carry the virus.
A mosquito becomes infected with the Zika virus when it bites a person who has the disease. The virus then enters the bloodstream of the person who is bitten by the infected mosquitoand produces an illness. The Zika virus may potentially pass from a mother to her foetus when a woman is pregnant. Sexual interaction is another way that the virus may transfer from one person to another. In certain instances, individuals get the virus via organ or blood donation.
Risk factors
You are more likely to get the Zika virus if you have the following conditions:
Living or visiting nations where epidemics have occurred.You have a higher risk of contracting the Zika virus if you live in tropical or subtropical regions. Several Pacific Islands, several nations in Central, South, and North America, and islands close to West Africa are among the regions with very high risk levels.
Worldwide distribution of the Zika virus carrying mosquitoes makes it probable that outbreaks will continue to expand to new areas.
The majority of Zika virus infections in the United States have been linked to visitors coming back from abroad. However, certain regions of the United States and its territories are home to the mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus. Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have all recorded local transmission.
Unprotected sexual activity
Through intercourse, the Zika virus may transfer from one person to another.
For up to three months after travel, unprotected intercourse may raise the chance of contracting the Zika virus.
This is why expecting mothers should wear a condom or refrain from having sex until after the baby is delivered if their partners have recently visited or resided in a region where the Zika virus is prevalent.
Use of a condom or avoiding sexual activity for up to three months after travel may lower the risk of sexual transmission for all other couples.
Complications
Preterm delivery, stillbirth, and miscarriage are all more likely among pregnant women who have the Zika virus.
Congenital Zika syndrome, which raises the likelihood of significant birth abnormalities in babies, includes the following:
A brain and head that are much smaller than average (mirocephaly), with a partially collapsed skull decreased brain tissue and brain damage eye injury joint issues, such as restricted mobility reduced mobility as a result of excessive muscular tone after birth
Even in those who never exhibit signs of illness, infection with the Zika virus may result in issues with the brain or nervous system, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Prevention
The Zika virus cannot be prevented by a vaccination. However, you may take precautions to lower your chance of contracting the virus. These recommendations may help reduce your risk of contracting the Zika virus if you or your spouse are expecting a child or trying to become pregnant
Make meticulous travel plans.
All pregnant women are advised by the CDC to stay away from locations where the Zika virus is on the rise. If you’re attempting to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor if your forthcoming travel plans, or those of your partner, pose a higher risk of contracting the Zika virus.
Your doctor may advise waiting two to three months following your trip before you and your partner attempt to become pregnant.
Sex should be safe
The CDC advises against engaging in sexual activity while pregnant or wearing a condom whenever possible if you have a partner who resides in or has visited a location where the Zika virus is spreading.
Take precautions to lessen your risk of mosquito bites if you reside in or plan to visit locations where the Zika virus is suspected to be present Stay in well-screened or air-conditioned homes.
Although they may bite at night, Zika carrying mosquitoes are most active between dawn and sunset.
If you’re sleeping outdoors, particularly, think about using a mosquito bed net. Put on safety gear. Wear long sleeves, long trousers, socks, and shoes while entering mosquito-infested regions.
Apply repellant on the skin.
Permethrin may be applied to your clothes, shoes, camping equipment, and bed netting. Additionally, you may purchase clothes that already contains permethrin. Use a skin repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or another active ingredient that has been registered with the EPA and is proven to be effective against mosquitoes.
These repellents have been shown to be safe and effective when used as instructed, even for expectant mothers and nursing mothers.
The habitat for mosquitoes.
The mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus often reside in residential areas near homes and reproduce in stagnant water that has accumulated in items like pet bowls, flower pots, and old vehicle tyres.
To help reduce mosquito populations, drain any sources of standing water at least once a week.
Blood donations and the Zika virus
In certain instances, blood products have been used to disseminate the Zika virus from one person to another (blood transfusion).
All blood donations must be screened for the Zika virus at blood donation facilities in the United States and its territories in order to limit the risk of transmission via blood transfusion.
Your neighbourhood blood donation facility could advise that you hold off on giving blood for four weeks if you have the Zika virus or if you reside in the United States and recently visited a region where it is common.