If you have followed health trends for quite some years, you must have heard of the Zika virus and the damage it could cause to the human brain. Let’s get to know the Zika virus disease better.
Table of Contents
What is Zika Virus?
Zika virus is a flavivirus that is known to be spread by the two Aedes species of mosquito; Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus. These species of mosquito are active during the day and at night. However, this virus is majorly known to be transmitted by the Aedes aegypti.
According to www.bosterbio.com, the Zika virus was first discovered in monkeys in Uganda during the year 1947 and later in humans by 1952. Since then, there has been an outbreak in different parts of the world (America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific). Today most Zika Virus cases may be discovered with the aid of a BDNF Elisa test.
The Island of Yap in Micronesia recorded the first Zika virus outbreak in the year 2007. A lot of other outbreaks were recorded in later years, and up until now, the Zika virus has stuck with us. Although Zika virus is majorly spread by the Aedes mosquitoes, it can also be transmitted through the following means;
- Sexual relations
- Blood transfusion(not fully confirmed)
- From pregnant mother to fetus
Signs and Symptoms
Zika virus disease has an incubation period of about 3-14 days. A lot of people who suffer from Zika virus disease do not develop any symptoms. However, the following are symptoms associated with Zika virus disease.
- Malaise
- Headache
- Fever
- Rash
- Conjunctivitis
- Muscle and Joint pain
These symptoms are known to last for 2-7days and may go unnoticed as they are common symptoms of other mild diseases.
Diagnosis
Most Zika virus suspected cases are usually common for patients who live in or visited areas prone to Zika virus outbreaks. However, to confirm a Zika virus infection, a laboratory test of blood, semen, or urine must be carried out.
Preventive Measures to be taken
Just like in the case of every other mosquito-borne disease, it is important to stay away from areas that have recorded a recent outbreak. However, If you reside or must travel to such areas known to harbor the vector in large quantities, then here are some preventive measures to stay safe:
- Being one of the bloodborne pathogens out there, a course on bloodborne pathogens training will help you learn how to avoid transmission and prevention of Zika virus.
- Ensure the constant wearing of clothing that covers as much parts of your body as possible. Clothing such as trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and stockings are advisable.
- Closing of doors, windows, Use of window screens, insecticide-treated nets, and insecticides are advised to keep mosquitoes at bay or kill them off.
- Clearing of bushes and gutters to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. Aedes mosquitoes are known to breed in stagnant water. Eliminating the breeding sites of these mosquitoes and keeping a clean environment will reduce the prevalence of the disease around your home.
- Use of insect repellant lotions or sprays containing DEET for the skin is advised.
N/B: Pregnant women, children, or women of reproductive age must be protected from mosquito bites as they are the most vulnerable population who might suffer complications of the Zika virus.
Complications
Pregnant women who get infected with the Zika virus are at great risk of having babies with microcephaly and many other congenital problems that may cause abnormal development in unborn babies.
Zika virus is also known to trigger neuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and acute myelitis in adults and adolescents.
How Zika virus affects the human brain?
Neuroscientists discovered that the Zika virus was seen to replicate in the brain tissues of an adult human, infecting the mature neurons. These infected neurons are the main cell type that suffers from the infection. The infection not only causes neurological damages in developing fetus with the brain being the majorly affected, but it also causes brain damages in adults that can lead to the following;
- Synaptic dysfunction of the brain cells
- Memory dysfunction
- Depreciation or lack of cognitive abilities
When following up adult patients of Zika virus, it is essential to evaluate their cognitive and memory capacities to know if they have brain damage due to the disease.
Treatment
Zika virus has neither treatment nor vaccine. However, you can do the following to get rid of your symptoms;
- Get ample rest
- Stay hydrated
- Take drugs prescribed by your doctor to reduce fever and relieve pain.
Conclusion
Preventing the Zika virus is way better and cheaper than trying to treat the outcome of the virus. Always ensure to work with your doctor once you notice symptoms that might look or feel like Zika virus symptoms.
