Zika Virus India – An Emerging Threat

Have you ever wondered that a virus of size nanometers can kill you in your sleep? Well, definitely the size doesn’t matter!

These days, as you smack a mosquito against your skin, you can’t help but think of the Zika virus. Named after the Zika Forest in Uganda, Zika virus was first discovered in 1947. The first human cases of Zika were detected in the year 1952, since then, outbreaks of Zika have been reported in tropical Africa, Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia.

Zika Virus India

Zika virus in India was first found in Pune 64 years ago, as part of a survey that was testing immunity to Japanese and Russian varieties of a virus-borne brain infection called encephalitis.

But what is Zika virus disease? and How serious it is? Is it prevalent in India and how does it get transmitted? Well, let’s answer to all of them one by one.

Zika Virus

It is a vector-borne disease caused by Zika virus that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito which is mostly active during a day.

The Spread of Zika Virus

Transmission occurs when the Aedes mosquito bites a normal person after biting an infected person.The virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same mosquito that transmits dengue and chikungunya. However, it can also be spread by humans, to humans, through intimate sexual contact. It is possible for a human who has been infected with the Zika virus to infect a mosquito that is not previously infected and the infected host.

How do you know it’s Zika Virus? 

Now that’s a major question about how do you recognize it is Zika virus or dengue? The symptoms of Zika is usually mild lasting for several days to a week.

Many people might not even realize they have been infected, as the symptoms of Zika are similar to other viruses spread through mosquito bites, like dengue and chikungunya.

It is better to watch out for symptoms such as:

1. Fever
2. Rash
3. Joint pain
4. Conjunctivitis, or red eyes
5. Muscle pain
6. Headache
7. Pain behind the eyes
8. Vomiting

which typically begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Also, check the symptoms of chikungunya.

Prevention of the dangerous Zika Virus India

As the old adage states ‘Prevention is the better than cure’, in the same way, for mosquito-borne diseases like Zika, prevention is the only cure.One of the most important step to prevent Zika virus is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Zika can be prevented if the whole family take proper precautions and use the best mosquito repellent available in the market which is no doubt the Good knight.

Here are some easy steps to prevent the disease:

1. Plan your trip

Always avoid traveling to places which had an outbreak of Zika virus. If you are pregnant, you should not travel to areas with risk of Zika. The most important duty here comes in hands of parents which must protect their children while planning.

2. Stay in well-conditioned place

Keep windows and doors shut and use air conditioning when possible. Use, install, or repair window and door screens. Every family must take care of the surrounding and try to restrict the areas for the growth of mosquitoes.

3. Wear protective clothing

Always wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks, and shoes. One of the simplest form to protect your family, your friends and your community from Zika is to use mosquito-repellent like Good knight Fabric Roll-On as it is 100% natural and gives 8 hours-long protection. It is absolutely safe for children and babies. For 0 to 2-month-old babies, apply on prams, cots or strollers. For babies older than 2 months, apply 4 dots on clothes.

4. Take preventive measures

Ensure you empty the water buckets, unused bottle, birdbaths as they could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes out of your homes is to use Good knight Activ+ System. It gives protection in all corners of the room and protects your family from diseases like dengue, chikungunya.

 

There are other diseases spread by mosquitoes in which Japanese Encephalitis is very prominent. Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus and spread primarily by the Culex mosquito.

Avoid Zika virus with the best prevention of mosquito bites. It is always better to stay safe and sound by knowing the above-mentioned ways to prevent the fatal Zika virus.