ZIKA VIRUS AND YOU

Zika Virus

-Spread by mosquitoes originsted in Uganda Africa in 1947

-It was isolated from the  Rhesus monkey

-In 2007 the first major outbreak occur in the pacific

-Next  major outbreak in 2015 in Brazil

-It has reached the USA

 -Now threatening to take over the Caribbean

- It is a viral disease and the virus is spread by mosquitoes Aedes Aegypti  specie.

-It stays  in the body 3 to 12 days in body before there is any sign or symptoms.

-It remains in the system 3 to 7 days  and work itself out

It is this stage that it is contagious. when the mosquitoes bite

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

-Fever, red eyes without sticky discharge,

-muscles and joint pains rash

-Swelling, in lower limbs

-,pain behind eyes

_Babies are  born with small heads and brain not developing fully

-Nerve disorders

_It is found sperm. to be transmitted by sexual activity

_ The Ministry of Health is asking that women  avoid getting pregnant for   one year until the epidemic subsides.

-It can run  congruently  or alongside other viral infection such ad dengue   Chick V and even Malaria.

TREATMENT

-There is no vaccine. You treat the symptoms that are seen

-Rest is necessary

Paracetamol  No Aspirin or its derivative like Buffering ,Panadol, Phenzic

-Take lots of water and other fluids like Gator Aid  that does not have too much calories

- individual with the virus should be isolated 7 days to avoid being bitten

 by other mosquitoes therefore  prevent passing on the disease

HOW IT SPREADS

Infected person  -bitten by mosquito- mosquito bites other person

-New Mosqjito bitesnew person and it goes on in a cycle of  every7 days

-Risk factors are poor public health and sanitation

PEOPLE WHO ARE VOLUNABLE

-are diabetics,

-Old people

 -the very young

-people with chronic problems arthritis etc

 -people with auto immune disease,  like lupus, HIV etx

PERSONAL MEASURES TO PREVENT

-Mosquito nets

-Insect repellent do not keep long on skin

-Liquids and creams for rash

-Chemical  spays repellent, vape ,smoke, mosquito coils, herbs like citronella or lemon grass

-Biological control  eg. Putting  fish in fish tank  to eat mosquito lava

 -Pouring oil on  stored water eg cooking ,kerosene or gas oil

-Keep drains clean  get rid of anything containing water around the house
The mosquito likes  clean clear water.
Trim  bushes and tree around home mosquito love to live near humans.

Always be vigilant because like every thing,  nothing  new under the sun but ebbs and flows as the tide  and goes around fill circle.