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Zika virus! This has suddenly become serious threat due to many reasons like it is linked to severe birth defects, it is spreading at a rapid pace and more importantly it has no vaccine or treatment as of now. The race in on all through the globe, to develop a vaccine for Zika. According to Global health officials, the Zika virus, is associated with severe birth defects in thousands of babies in Brazil, is rapidly spreading in the Americas with probability to infect 3 million to 4 million people.

How do people get infected with Zika virus?

The virus is transmitted through the mosquito bite. Infected female Aedes mosquitoes transmit Zika virus. According to Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Aedes mosquitoes are found in all American countries, except Canada and continental Chile. Thus, the virus is likely to spread through these territories.
What is the treatment for Zika infection?

Until now, no treatment or vaccine is available for Zika infection. Although research is being carried all through the globe for the discovery of an effective Zika vaccine, it may not be accomplished in near future.

How dangerous is Zika?

According to PAHO, no case of death due to Zika is reported. But cases with more serious complications were reported in patients with pre-existing medical conditions. The virus is associated with microcephaly, a condition is newborns marked by abnormally small heads and brains that have not developed properly. Zika is also linked with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder in which immune system of the body attacks a part of the nervous system.

Symptoms of Zika infection?

Symptoms include skin rash, mild fever, muscle and joint pain, conjunctivitis and fatigue. These can last for two days to a week. Interestingly, nearly 80% infected people may never develop a symptom.

How can control the spread of Zika?

•By eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
•Precautions against mosquito bites.
•Pregnant women are advised not to travel to Latin American and Caribbean countries by US officials to minimize the exposure to Zika virus.

Outbreak in the America

As per the World Health Organization, reports indicate Zika cases in 23 countries and territories in the Americas, during the current outbreak with Brazil being most affected. Other affected nations and territories include Colombia, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guiana, Guadeloupe, French, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Guyana, Martinique, Nicaragua, Panama, Mexico, Paraguay, Saint Martin, Puerto Ric, Venezuela, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Suriname according to the PAHO.
Zika virus History

The Zika virus is found in tropical locales with large mosquito populations. Zika virus outbreaks were recorded in Africa, Southern Asia, the Americas and Western Pacific. In 1947, the virus was identified for the first time in Uganda in rhesus monkeys. In 1952, the virus was identified for the first time in people in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania, as per WHO.

Is Zika transmitted through sexual contact?

Even though a case of possible person-to-person sexual transmission was reported, the PAHO says that more evidence to confirm it is needed. According to PAHO, Zika can even be transmitted through blood, even though it is an infrequent transmission mechanism. No evidence can support that the virus is transmitted through breast milk to babies.

-Sumana