Zika virus arrives in India with first three cases in Ahmedabad

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Zika started being an epidemic in South america in 2015 and spread to 70 countries on the planet has now made it way to Ahmedabad, Gujarat. World Health Organisation (WHO) confirming the very first three installments of Zika virus in India on Friday.

In November 2016, the planet Health Organisation (WHO) asserted that Zika wasn’t any longer an open health emergency. Earlier this year, South america formally declared Zika emergency over.

The flavivirus is proven to be transported by an infected Aedes species bug (Ae. aegypti and Ae. Albopictus) which are also accountable for the transmission of dengue and chikungunya infections.

All of the three Indian cases were reported in the Bapunagar section of Ahmedabad with a pregnant lady who had been tested positive in The month of january 2017.

The WHO inside a statement stated,”The Secretary of state for Health insurance and Family Welfare – Government asia (MoHFW) reported three laboratory-confirmed installments of Zika virus disease in Bapunagar area, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat, Condition, India.”

This largely brings health issues towards the forefront and in cases like this, it might be more necessary and essential as ever, to complete everything we are able to to be able to shield ourselves from getting bitten.

Including being well-accustomed to the Zika virus and the best way to identify it.

What we know so far:

  • No vaccine exists to prevent Zika.
  • Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite during the day and night.
  • Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.
  • Zika can be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her sex partners.
  • Condoms can reduce the chance of getting Zika from sex.
  • Only about 1 in 5 people with the virus will exhibit symptoms. The vast majority has no symptoms at all.
  • Zika virus symptoms normally last for 2 to 7 days.

What are the symptoms?

Unfortunately, people suffering from Zika virus often don’t show any symptoms. In some cases, the virus shows very mild symptoms before taking affecting the patient completely.

Basic symptoms of the virus include:

  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Joint pain
  • Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Vomiting

How can we treat it?

With no specific treatment per say, patients suffering from Zika are often advised complete bed rest and increased water intake. For the fever, patients are treated with basic paracetamol and pain medication is also prescribed by the doctors.
To detect the virus in the body, a blood analysis as well as a urine test is required.

What can we do to protect ourselves?

Since the Aedes mosquito that transmits the virus is active in the mornings, Zika has a higher potential to spread. Therefore, precautionary measures are a must. One of the first things to do in this case is apply mosquito repellant on your body before stepping out and ensure that you have the repellant handy wherever you go.

  • Avoid travelling to spaces where mosquitoes are in abundance.
  • Eliminate sources of standing water – roof gutters, bird baths, tyres, unused containers and flower pots.
  • Avoid exercising outdoors.
  • Wear synthetic fibers and light coloured clothing. Mosquitoes have the ability to feed through clothes as well, therefore, what we need is clothing made out of synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and rayon, which is more tightly-woven and helps block mosquito bites.
  • Wear covering shoes. Since some people have sweaty feet, which sets off a mosquito’s taste buds, sneakers are your best bet to avoid getting bitten, otherwise wear socks to protect your feet from mosquito bites.
  • Avoid wearing floral fragrances, since they are known to attract mosquitoes.
  • Set up protective mesh screens in your doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.