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“Fortis Healthcare provides essential guidelines for protection and timely intervention”
New Delhi, October 17, 2018:
The number of Zika virus cases being registered in India has been increasing at an alarming rate. This year, the first case was registered in Rajasthan, where an elderly woman from Jaipur tested positive for the infection. The situation quickly escalated, and the number shot up to 55, prompting the Rajasthan State Health Department to undertake immediate preventive measures. Since it is a vector-borne disease, emphasis needs to be laid on preventive measures. Virus containment can be done through integrated awareness and outbreak preparedness. Resource mobilization, coordination, collaboration, capacity building and informed decision-making are the key to prevent the spread of the virus.
What is Zika Virus?
This virus is transmitted through the bite of the infected mosquito (Aedes Mosquito, responsible for the spread of chikungunya and dengue). Zika virus infection is also a trigger for Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis, particularly in adults and older children. Transmission from an infected pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth is a distinct possibility. The virus can cause birth defects in newborns called microcephaly – a condition defined by small heads and brain damage, sometimes along with other defects such as blindness, deafness, seizures and other congenital defects.
Dr. XX provides easy-to-understand guidelines on how we can protect ourselves against Zika Virus:
Firstly, it is important not to panic. If symptoms are detected and there is timely intervention, the infection can be controlled.
Prevention:
- Reduce mosquitoes through source reduction: Empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water such as buckets, flower pots or tyres, so that places where mosquitoes can breed are removed
- Use insect repellent
- Wear clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible
- Using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows, mosquito nets
- Spray insecticides
Symptoms: Normally last for 2 to 7 days
- Fever (as high as 102 degrees)
- Skin rashes
- Bloodshot eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Malaise
- Headache
- Conjunctivitis
Diagnosis: Since symptoms are similar to dengue, diagnosed can be done through PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and virus isolation from blood samples.
Treatment:
While there is no specific treatment for the Zika, the virus infection is usually mild. There is no need to panic. People diagnosed with Zika should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids and treat the pain and fever with paracetamol. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. There is currently no vaccine available.
In order to effectively combat the Zika virus and prevent outbreaks among larger populations, state governments need to advance research in prevention, surveillance, and control of Zika virus infection and associated complications. They need to develop, strengthen and implement integrated surveillance systems for Zika virus infection and associated complications. To prevent a large geographical area from getting affected – steps need to be taken to monitor the situation in an effective and strategic manner.
