While we are still battling with corona virus, there is yet another virus attack on human lives. This time it is Zika virus, more than 20 cases of which have been confirmed in Kerala. The 1st case of Zika virus was detected in a pregnant woman on 8th July.

What is this Zika virus and how can we protect ourselves against this virus which now seems to be spreading? Zika virus spreads through mosquito bites. These are the same mosquitoes which are responsible for spreading dengue and chikungunya. There are no symptoms in most of the cases; however it usually takes around 14 days for the symptoms to develop. These symptoms include fever, chills, rash, muscle pain and joint pain.

People usually don’t get sick enough to go to hospital when infected with Zika and rarely die, as per the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnant women are at risk as they can transmit the infection to the fetus, resulting in a smaller head than the usual in the babies.

As per WHO, Zika was first identified in the monkeys in 1947. Later it was identified in 1952 in Uganda. The first outbreak occurred in Federated States of Micronesia in 2007. In India, the first case was reported in 2017 in Gujarat and then in Tamil Nadu. In 2018 large outbreaks took place in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

There is no cure for Zika virus but vaccines are being developed. The virus is detected using blood and urine samples through RT-PCR test. The only way a person can protected oneself is by avoiding mosquito bites.

No vaccines are available for Zika virus. The focus is on relieving symptoms and includes rest, rehydration and acetaminophen for fever. Aspirins and ibuprofen are to be avoided.