Bhopal: After three cases of Zika virus surfacing in Gujarat, ministry of health and family welfare shared guidelines and action plan with state governments to prevent any possible outbreak of Zika. Because the symptoms of the disease is similar to that of dengue with very minute differences and spreads through mosquito bites, it raises concerns. Also, WHO has concluded that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain abnormalities, including microcephaly; and that Zika virus is a trigger of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Intense efforts are continuing to investigate the link between Zika virus and a range of neurological disorders, within a rigorous research framework by WHO.
Dr KL Sahu, deputy director, NHM said precautionary measures would be taken as per the guidelines of MOHFW. Health department is also all set to distribute mosquito nets in about 13 districts of MP to stop the spread of any vector borne disease, the breeding season of which will begin with monsoon.
Prevention
Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite both indoors and outdoors, mostly during the daytime. Therefore, it is important to ensure protection from mosquitoes throughout the day. Prevention and control relies on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction (removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between mosquitoes and people. This can be done by using insect repellents, wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible, using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows, and sleeping under mosquito nets. It is also important to empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water such as buckets, flower pots or tyres, so that places where mosquitoes can breed are removed.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available. The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites. Mosquitoes and their breeding sites pose a significant risk factor for Zika virus infection. Special attention and help should be given to those who may not be able to protect themselves adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Zika usually last for a few days to a week. The symptoms are similar to dengue and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days. Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikunguniya and yellow fever.
