Research on yellow fever led to the discovery of the Zika virus. The Zika virus was introduced by the mosquitoes that are found in the Ziika forest in Uganda. People affected by the Zika virus often experience different symptoms; some may have a mild rash or fever, while some might feel a pain in the joints. Headaches, red eyes, and discomfort are other symptoms of the Zika virus.
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This virus can prove to be dangerous to pregnant women as their infants’ may suffer from microcephaly, which is a brain condition where the brain is not fully developed. There is another neurological disorder known as the Guillain-Barre syndrome that is caused by the same mosquito; however, it is a rare disease. The Zika virus was introduced to the list of diseases around the world after it was found that this virus is caused and carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The fever that Zika virus causes after being bitten by this mosquito is not life-threatening as dengue and chikungunya, but it can be impact the unborn child of a pregnant woman. A brief introduction and overview of the Zika virus has been outlined below for a better understanding of this virus.
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Origin of the Zika virus
This virus originated in East Africa, as mentioned above and then spread rapidly. The forest in Uganda (East Africa) called Ziika has more than 40 types of mosquitoes and has many different types of plants and moths. The forest is restricted to researchers who have a lab set up in the forest. Researches have found out that the virus is living in the mosquitoes and could even infect mice.
The impact of the Zika virus
There have been more 300 reported cases in America alone in 2017, out of which, some of them included travelers who visited areas having the presence of Zika mosquitoes. This virus can spread sexually as well. There have been about 3 cases that were reported of the Zika virus being sexually transmitted.
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Who is most at risk of being affected by the Zika virus?
Anyone who can get bitten by mosquitoes of the Aedes species is at risk. These mosquitoes can bite during the day and night. People who are most at risk are unborn babies. Pregnant women, when bitten by an Aedes mosquito, can transfer the virus to their fetus and that lead to microcephaly. In microcephaly, the baby’s head is much smaller than normal because of abnormal brain development. This brain condition that is also caused due to the introduction of the Zika virus can be diagnosed during pregnancy. The procedure that helps with the diagnosis can be an ultrasound test in the end of the second trimester or beginning of the third trimester. Once diagnosed during pregnancy, the doctor can help provide as much help as possible to the child and the mother. Upon birth, the doctors can provide care; however, since it is a lifelong condition, nothing can be done to correct the size of the head or the brain. However, with the right medical care, babies can lead a normal life even with this condition.
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Steps to undertake to prevent the Zika virus from spreading
Awareness is an essential way to prevent the Zika virus from spreading. It helps people understand the problem and take necessary measures to prevent themselves from the mosquitoes and virus. Apart from keeping themselves safe from the harmful mosquitoes, people can also get themselves vaccinated. There are some vaccines such as DNA vaccines and Purified Inactivated Vaccine, that are made to prevent the virus from infecting people.
