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So it has been all over the news since the past few days. And if you haven’t heard about it then it is time you get acquainted to it. After the highly epidemic spread of the chickungunya and H1N1 virus that had left most of the country and its doctors clueless and in search of a cure, doctors and health officials are suspecting a link in a recent spate of babies born with small heads in Brazil, to a virus called the Zika virus.
This possible link to babies suffering from a condition called Microphely (born with underdeveloped skulls and brains) to Zika Virus is creating anxiety globally, cautioning governments and pregnant women especially in countries like India to take precautionary measures.
Indian authorities have warned pregnant women not to travel to countries affected by this virus, especially in Brazil where the disease has reached epidemic proportions.
Apparently, the two breeds of mosquitoes that are common carriers of this virus thrive in India. Quite a few Indian patients have been tested positive for antibodies to the pathogen. However, doctors are of the belief that the prevalence of other mosquito-borne viral diseases like dengue and chickungunya make it difficult to detect Zika’s presence in the body.
Kamran Khan, an infectious-disease expert at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada, and also the co-author of a paper on the ‘Anticipation of international spread of Zika Virus’ said, “We DO KNOW that antibody tests for Zika can be falsely positive in individuals with prior infection to related viruses such as dengue.”
On Monday, The World health Organisation has issued a global public-health emergency with regards to the Zika Virus. Only last week, the organization had reported that the virus is spreading explosively among the Latin Americans, with an estimated number of 4 million people in 23 countries to be affected by this virus. The detailed guidelines about this virus are in progress and shall be issued soon.
A screening of all the passengers who arrive on flights from Latin America was expected to be issued by the Indian Health Ministry. Especially women who have travelled to the infected regions must get themselves tested.
Now unfortunately, identifying Zika Virus in India is a problem since its symptoms mirror those generated by dengue.
Symptoms
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Here are some common symptoms of Zika Virus - Fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache.
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The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week.
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Zika virus usually remains in the blood of an infected person for a few days but it can be found longer in some people.
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Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.
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Deaths are rare.
Diagnosis
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The symptoms of Zika are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, diseases spread through the same mosquitoes that transmit Zika.
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See your healthcare provider if you develop the symptoms described above and have visited an area where Zika is found.
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If you have recently traveled, tell your healthcare provider when and where you traveled.
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Your healthcare provider may order blood tests to look for Zika or other similar viruses like dengue or chikungunya.
Treatment
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No vaccine or medications are available to prevent or treat Zika infections.
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Treat the symptoms
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Get plenty of rest
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Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
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Take medicine such as acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain.
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Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen. Aspirin and NSAIDs should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage (bleeding). If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication.
During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.
Reference : http://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/