Zika Fever
General Information:
Zika fever is a viral infection caused by zika virus, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. “Sexual transmission of Zika virus is also possible. Other modes of transmission such as blood transfusion are being investigated.” (World Health Organization, 2016)
Zika virus was first found in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys when the researchers were monitoring yellow fever. In 1952, the virus was found in humans in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Zika virus outbreak occurred in many places around the world such as Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Zika fever is a viral infection caused by zika virus, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. “Sexual transmission of Zika virus is also possible. Other modes of transmission such as blood transfusion are being investigated.” (World Health Organization, 2016)
Zika virus was first found in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys when the researchers were monitoring yellow fever. In 1952, the virus was found in humans in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Zika virus outbreak occurred in many places around the world such as Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of zika fever is very similar to other infectious diseases such as dengue fever. The main symptoms of zika fever are fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild symptoms which lasts for about 2-7 days. Treatment and Preventions: Although there is no specific vaccine to treat zika fever, the symptoms of this disease is usually mild. Patients should treat their pain and fever with common medicines, get enough rest, and drink lots of fluids. Preventing yourself from getting zika virus requires preventing yourself from mosquito bites. It is important to cover, and clean breeding sites of mosquitoes such as buckets, drums, pots, gutters, and used tyres. |