Zika virus is the new cause of concern from the day World Health Organisation (WHO) declared emergency over the extensive spread of this virus in several nations.
According to the health ministry guidelines document, “Zika virus disease has the potential for further international spread given the wide geographical distribution of the mosquito vector.”
Right now there are no cases in India but we should take extra care and concern as the mosquito Aedes Aegypti which transmits the disease thrives in our nation too.
This virus is creating health problems in tropical regions- Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Suriname and some places in USA or in tropical like climate, more as of now so people should avoid travelling in these affected areas.
As per reports, this virus can be transmitted sexually as well.
Symptoms Of Zika Virus :
- Headache
- Conjunctivitis
- Pain Behind Eyes
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Skin Rash
- Muscle and Joint Pain
How To Avoid
Recently there were news that an Indian has come up vaccine for the disease. But right now there are no vaccines in market so aviding mosquito bites is one of the best ways to prevent the transmission of the virus.
So people should use insect repellents, bed nets and try and clear collected standing water or dirty areas as mosquitoes lay their eggs and breed in such places.
Also one can incorporate plants like citronella, basil, lemon grass, lavender, mint, rosemary etc. that naturally repel mosquitoes.
People should wear full length tops and bottoms to avoid bites during day as well.
Here’s a list of the guidelines issued by the health ministry and doctors that you should keep with you:
1. Prevent mosquito breeding around houses.
2. Use mosquito repellents to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
3. Non-essential travel to the affected countries in the Latin American region and the Caribbean should be deferred/cancelled.
4. Pregnant women or women who are trying to become pregnant should defer/cancel their travel to the affected areas.
5. All travellers to the affected countries/areas should strictly follow individual protective measures, especially during the day, to prevent mosquito bites (use of mosquito repellant cream, electronic mosquito repellants, use of bed nets, and dress that appropriately covers most of the body parts).
6. Persons with co-morbid conditions (diabetes, hypertension, chronic respiratory illness, immunity disorders, etc.) should seek advice from the nearest health facility, prior to travel to an affected country.
7. Travellers who complain of fever within two weeks of return from an affected country should report to the nearest health facility.
8. Pregnant women who have travelled to areas with Zika virus transmission should mention about their travel during ante-natal visits in order to be assessed and monitored appropriately.
