Virus Zika: Interesting Facts and How to Overcome It
Zika virus is a virus that is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Aedes Aegypti is also the type of mosquito that causes dengue fever and chikungunya. This virus is estimated to have caused serious birth defects in tens of thousands of babies in Brazil.
Before identification was carried out, this virus was claimed to be generally harmless. The symptoms produced by the Zika virus include fever, pain in the joints, rash, and red eyes. Studies show that 3 out of 12 people who tested positive for this virus were completely unaware of their infection.
This virus was found in Brazil since mid-2015. Statistics gathered from The Wall Street Journal indicate that 500,000 residents were infected with the Zika virus, and to date, the number of residents in Brazil infected with the Zika virus has reached 1.5 million.
This virus is also linked to the disease Microcephaly, where the symptoms of Microcephaly involve the condition where the fetal brain does not grow to normal size in babies, resulting in babies being born with abnormally small heads.
Reports from The Wall Street Journal state that Brazil has an average of 158 babies born with Microcephaly each year. In 2015, more than 3,000 babies were born with this condition. Authorities in Brazil are working hard to investigate these conditions, as well as deaths suspected to be caused by microcephaly and traces of the Zika virus.
The Zika virus follows a development pattern similar to that of dengue fever and chikungunya outbreaks. This condition is now a threat to several U.S. states such as Florida, Hawaii, and other parts of America.
The latest news published by the Eijkman Molecular Biology Institute (LBME) found Zika virus in Indonesia. They initially discovered people affected by dengue fever in Jambi at the end of 2014 and early 2015, and the institute was asked to examine 103 blood samples from individuals suspected of being infected with dengue fever, said Eijkman Deputy Director Herawati Sudoyo.
According to her, there was one sample that, after examination, showed no indication of dengue fever. However, upon further investigation, the Zika virus was found in that patient's sample. Isolation was then performed on the patient to match them with patients infected with the Zika virus in Brazil. There are concerns that the Zika virus may continue to develop and spread to other areas in Indonesia.
Here are some facts about the Zika virus that you should know:
1. Zika virus is transmitted through Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes
Like other diseases transmitted by Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes such as dengue fever and chikungunya, the Zika virus is also transmitted to humans through the bites of these mosquitoes. It has been confirmed that there is currently no vaccine for the Zika virus. In fact, American scientists studying the Zika virus predict that it will take 10 years before a vaccine is available to the general public.
2. Zika virus is categorized as not very aggressive
In America, no deaths have been found due to the Zika virus. However, with the widespread nature of this virus, there is no guarantee of survival even if infected. There are concerns that the virus may become more serious and cause complications in someone who is infected.
3. Strong correlation between Microcephaly and Zika virus
There is a strong correlation between the Zika virus and Microcephaly, which is a neurological disorder in babies in the womb, where babies are born with smaller heads and brains than normal size.
4. Warning for travel enthusiasts
It is advisable for those who enjoy traveling to postpone or change their plans if they intend to go to America, to prevent the transmission of the Zika virus.
5. PAHO Study
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported that there are 60,000 cases related to the Zika virus, but this estimate is uncertain and is predicted to be even higher than the reported cases.
6. Zika virus is difficult to predict
The Zika virus is difficult to recognize because it has different symptoms, making it increasingly challenging to address.
Preventive measures to avoid contracting the Zika virus can be taken through the following steps:
- Keep your home environment free from stagnant water that allows mosquitoes to breed, especially in your yard.
- Use screens on your home ventilation to prevent mosquitoes from entering, or use other mosquito traps.
- Seal bathtubs and water containers in the bathroom tightly.
- Maintain your health by consuming healthy foods and getting enough exercise.
- Conduct regular spraying to kill mosquitoes.
Do these things to protect your health and your family's, as prevention is better than cure, agree?
