What does Zika mean ?
Zika means “overgrown” in the uganda language.
Is Zika new virus ?
No! It is not. Zika virus has discovered long time ago.
When was the last outbreaks of Zike virus ?
Mid 2015 and through 2016.
Where is the last largest outbreak of Zika virus?
Brazil.
How does the Zika virus transmitted?
- Mosquito bites
- From a pregnant woman to her fetus
- Sex
- Blood transfusion (Not yet confirmed).
What is the name of this Mosquito ?
Aedes mosquito, it also transmits chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever diseases.
Can the Aedes mosquito travel from country to country or region to region?
According to WHO,
The Aedes mosquito is a weak flyer; it cannot fly more than 400 meters. However it may be possible for the mosquito to be transported from one place to another accidentally and introduce Zika virus to new areas.
What are the symptoms of Zika virus ?
common symptoms of Zika are
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
Other symptoms include:
- Muscle pain
- Headache
Symptoms last for several days to a week. People usually don’t get serious illness to go to the hospital. Once a person has been infected with Zika, they are likely to be protected from future infections.
Why Zika virus infections are serious for some people?
Zika virus once infects a pregnant woman it causes birth defect of the brain of the fetus called microcephally.
How to prevent Zika virus ?
How to prevent mosquito bites – Stopping Zika transmission
How Zika virus is diagnosed?
It depends on the person if he traveled to a places where Zike virus outbreak occurred like Brazil. The infection could be confirmed through blood and urine test.
What do you do if you have been diagnosed with Zika Virus ?
Calm Down! up to now there is no specific medication or vaccination to Zika infections.
If you are pregnant, traveled to places where Zika virus infections are common & have the previously mentioned symptoms or flu like symptoms with fever. YOU SHOULD SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL HELP.
Otherwise,
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Take medicine such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain.
- Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication.
Source: CDC.
What you should know about Zika & Sex?
For pregnant women living in areas where Zika virus infections are common, please avoid sex! Because Zika can cause certain birth defects or at least use condoms during the whole intercourse!
Also you should avoid mosquito bites. Please read : How to prevent mosquito bites – Stopping Zika transmission
What are the countries with confirmed Zika cases ? Updated 20-9-2016
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What is Microcephally ?
Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. They might not have developed brain.
When does the Microcephally diagnosed?
During pregnancy or when the baby born.
Zika Virus Quiz ?
http://www.who.int/emergencies/zika-virus/quiz/en/
How to protect yourself when you travel to areas with active Zika virus transmission ?
- wear clothing that covers as much of the body as possible;
- use insect repellent.
- use physical barriers such as regular or mesh screens or insecticide treated netting materials on doors and windows , or closing doors and windows; and
- sleep under mosquito nets.
