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| Aede mosquito |
There is a new virus in town and its name its is Zika .This deadly
mosquito-transmitted infection is the reason why over 500 babies have been born
with brain deformities in Brazil. Just like Ebola, it is threatening to bring
the world to its knees.
So I gathered some
info on it and here are the five things you should know about Zika virus
History
Did you know that the
Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits Zika virus was first discovered in Africa
in 1940.
According to the World Health Organisation , Zika virus occurs in tropical areas with large mosquito populations, and is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia and Western Pacific.
How it spreads?
The parasite spreads when the Aedes mosquito bites a person with an active infection and then spreads the virus by biting others. Those people then become carriers during the time they have symptoms.
According to the Centre for Disease and Control, these mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in things like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases.
The CDC says that these mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters as they prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people.
According to the World Health Organisation , Zika virus occurs in tropical areas with large mosquito populations, and is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia and Western Pacific.
How it spreads?
The parasite spreads when the Aedes mosquito bites a person with an active infection and then spreads the virus by biting others. Those people then become carriers during the time they have symptoms.
According to the Centre for Disease and Control, these mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in things like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases.
The CDC says that these mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters as they prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache
The virus, experts from
the CDC notes usually remains in the blood of an infected person for a few days
but it can be found longer in some people.
Treatment
Treatment
There is currently no vaccine or medications to prevent or treat Zika infections. Doctors recommend that anyone with symptoms of fever should take medicines, such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain and visit the nearest hospital.
The best treatment for now is prevention.
Prevention
It is simple, keep
mosquitoes away from your home. Insect control measures such as Indoor spraying
with insecticides is another powerful way to rapidly prevent mosquitoes from
turning our homes into a breeding ground.
People living in mosquito-prone areas, such as those living in coastal areas, watersides and densely populated areas should adopt the use of insecticide –treated mosquito nets in their homes.
People living in mosquito-prone areas, such as those living in coastal areas, watersides and densely populated areas should adopt the use of insecticide –treated mosquito nets in their homes.
Finally, if you suspect that you or anyone around you has the
symptoms of fever, do not treat yourself, please visit a doctor or a hospital
closest to you for proper diagnosis and treatment.
