Zika Virus is a mosquito-spread disease that was first discovered in Uganda in 1947 and later came to the US, the year 2015. In the last decade, Zika Virus outbreaks have been reported in the African continent, the Caribbean and Southeastern parts of Asia.
The bite of an infected mosquito during the daytime causes Zika. For the majority of people, the infection is pretty mild, not harmful and can be cured with medications. However, for pregnant women, there is little evidence that the Zika virus can lead to congenital disabilities in babies.
Symptoms Of The Zika Virus
Most people have zero to minimal symptoms after the mosquito bite. In case the symptoms do appear, they are very mild and generally disappear within two days to seven days.
The commonly reported symptoms are as follows:-
- Rash Around the Mosquito Bite Area
- Body Itching
- Feverishness
- Continuous Headache
- Red Eyes
- Muscle Pain
- Lower Back Pain
- Joint Pain
How Can You Catch the Zika Virus?
The majority of cases of Zika virus diseases reported around the globe involve the bite of a mosquito, and it quickly enters the bloodstream. The mosquito causing Zika disease is more active during the dawn and mid-afternoon than dusk time, unlike the malaria
However, certain medical studies are suggesting the transmission of Zika virus through sexual intercourse; still, conclusive research is required on this subject.
When To Consult a Doctor?
If you or someone in your family has recently returned from a country such as Uganda grappling with any Zika virus outbreak, and experience any of the above symptoms, a doctor must be consulted to undergo the Zika virus diagnosis.
Prevention of the Zika Virus
To date, medical science is unable to come up with vaccination against the Zika virus.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and Prevention has advisory for pregnant women to avoid traveling to countries having a Zika virus outbreak. Similarly, if the partner has returned home from such affected area, abstain from sex, or use proper protection.
3 Things You Can Easily Do:
- Stay in Air-Conditioned Places
- Wear Proper Clothing, Expose Less Skin
- Use a Mosquito Repellent
Diagnosis of the Zika Virus
The determination of the Zika virus is physically based on the symptoms experienced or whether the individual has been to an affected nation.
The diagnosis of the Zika Virus is made thoroughly after the laboratory examination of the blood, and other fluids such as semen or urine.
ELISA (stands for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is another reliable lab test to detect and measure antibodies in the blood based on the ELISA kit principle.
The antibodies are proteins that the body produces automatically to combat the harmful antigens entering the bloodstream. So, the presence of antibodies suggests the infection of the Zika virus. You can easily buy ELISA kit online.
How Can the Zika Virus Be Treated?
While there is no specific treatment for the symptoms of the Zika Virus, the physicians generally advise a dosage of paracetamol.
Also, drinking plenty of water can give relief from the symptoms.
Conclusion
If you feel unwell after returning from a country that has a long history of mosquito-related diseases, then you must seek the advice of the doctor right away.