Zika Virus - The data should be maintained - Seeker's Thoughts

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Zika Virus - The data should be maintained


Zika  -a deadly virus 

In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and second outbreak in July 2017 in Tamil Nadu. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management.

Though the menace of Zika is over, yet data should be maintained and the pro- active approach of the government to fight against the disease should not end. 
However, Zika virus outbreak has been reported in India various times in less than two years in other states as well. The virus had been detected in 29 people in Jaipur and Bihar. Both states were on high. Later on, the Outbreak has hit the Madhya Pradesh and six districts have been affected.  



What is the Zika virus? From where has it comes? 


The Zika virus, first identified in Uganda in 1947, is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the same type of mosquito that carries dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya virus. A mosquito bites an infected person and then passes those viruses to other people it bites. Outbreaks did not occur outside of Africa until 2001 when it spread to the south pacific. 

Symptoms - Generally mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or a headache. Symptoms typically last for 2 to 7 days. Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop symptoms. 

Complications  
Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly- which is a condition in which the baby’s head is significantly smaller than expected often due to abnormal brain development.   

A baby can also have other congenital malformations. Zika virus is also associated with other complications of pregnancy including pattern birth and miscarriage. 

An increased risk of neurologic complications is associated with Zika virus infection in adults and children, including Guillain-Barre syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis

Diagnosis
 


Infection with Zika virus may be suspected based on symptoms of persons living in or visiting areas with Zika virus transmission and Aedes mosquito vectors. 

A diagnosis of Zika virus infection can only be confirmed by laboratory tests of blood and other body fluids, such as urine and semen. 

Treatment
 
There is no treatment available of Zika virus infection or its associated diseases. Zika virus infection should seek medical attention for lab test and other clinical care. 

Prevention
 


Protection against mosquito bites during the day and early evening is a key measure to prevent Zika virus infection. Special attention should be given to prevent the mosquito bites among pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and young children. 

WHO's actions
 


WHO is supporting countries to control Zika virus disease by taking actions outlined in the Zika Response Framework: 

1- Advancing research in prevention, surveillance, and control of Zika virus infection and associated complications. 
2- Developing, strengthening and implementing integrated surveillance systems for Zika virus infection and associated complications. 
3- Strengthening the capacity of laboratories to test for Zika virus infection worldwide. 
4- Strengthening the care and support of affected children and families affected by complications of Zika infections. 


Some Problems in Indian Context which led to the Spread of the Virus
No genetically Sequence of the local Zika Stain

On the Nov3, 2018, there was a press release from the Indian Health Ministry. The press release cited the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) did not find any known Mutation for Microcephaly. It clearly shows that due to the lack of updates in science. 

The Delay in Launching the Intensive Communication 

There has been a delay in launching intensive communication, while people need to be aware of the diseases.

Conclusion 

The outbreak of Zika virus in India is an issue of concern. India has been already facing a huge burden of another disease as well. Central and state government should announce high alert across the country to prevent cases of Zika as well. 

Proper management and surveillance and monitoring are needed to detect cases. A large number of doctors should be available in remote areas and as well as in every government hospital in every city and state. 

Insect repellents should be should be available in remote areas especially in villages. Thousands of people, Children and adults die every year from such deadly viruses like dengue, chikungunya, and due to yellow fever. Health ministry should take urgent actions to prevent this deadly virus from spreading in the country.