in ,

‘Zika Virus likely to spread across African countries’ –Experts

Just as Nigerians are struggling to get Lassa fever behind them, another virus has surfaced. This time around its Zika Virus spread by daytime active mosquito and can only be prevented by keeping away from mosquitoes.

It was recently discovered in Brazil.

According to the report, World Health Organization (WHO) is yet to find any real cure. The disease is already in the US and has been causing a lot of panic among Africans. Therefore, a warning signal, ENCOMIUM Weekly learnt has been passed to avoid mosquitoe bites in the United States of America so that the disease will not spread across other countries, especially Nigeria.

 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, join pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. About one in five people infected with Zika will get sick. For people who get sick, the illness is usually mild. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. Symptoms typically begin two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

 

HOW IS ZIKA TRANSMITTED

Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Anyone who is living in or travelling to an area where Zika virus is found and has not already been infected with Zika virus is at risk of infection, including pregnant women.

 

HOW TO PREVENT ZIKA VIRUS

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika. The best way to prevent the spread is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

Here is how:

  • Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants.
  • Stay in places with air conditioner or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes away.
  • Treat clothings and gears with permethrin or purchase permethrin treated items.
  • Sleep under a mosquito net if you outside and not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

 

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR ZIKA

Get plenty of rest, drink fluids to prevent dehydration and take medicine such as Acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain. Also, do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If you are taking medication for another medical condition, talk to your health care provider before taking additional medication.

There have been reports of serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly (a condition in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age) and other poor pregnancy outcome in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.

Outbreaks of Zika virus previously have been reported in tropical Africa, South-East Africa and the Pacific Islands.

Zika virus will likely continue to spread to new areas. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika Virus infection in Brazil.

In 2016, Zika virus became a global concern. With the recent outbreaks, the number of ZIka Virus disease cases among travellers visiting or returning to the United States of America will likely increase. Centres for Disease Control has been monitoring the epidemic and is prepared to address cases imported into the United States and cases transmitted locally.

-DAMILOLA FOLAMI

Encomium

Written by Encomium

A media, tech and events company.

What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Avatar

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ronke Oshodi-Oke talks about her marriage and music career

Those jostling to take over from Governor Adams Oshiomhole