What is Zika Virus? Nowadays, it’s a very common topic. In affected countries, one in every five persons is known to suffer from this Virus. And ladies, who are pregnant should be extra cautious about this problem. Because, it can be a major cause of any birth defect in your child. So, please be aware. Various Health Centers have already given a warning to avoid traveling to some countries, where the virus is common these days. Yes, in this article, we’re going to give you some most important facts about the virus. So, have a look please.

1. What is Zika Virus?

Somewhat like yellow fever and dengue, here’s another health problem that has become a topic of serious concern today. And that is Zika. Yes, it is a kind of tropical disease that spreads via daytime active mosquito (Aedes mosquitoes) bites. The mosquito can even bite a healthy body. The name of the virus is due to its first isolation in Zika forest of Uganda in 1947. The cases of this virus are then found in Africa, East Asia as well as in pacific islands too. And now, it’s spreading widely in several countries.

2. Signs of Zika Virus Infection

The symptoms of this virus infection usually go unnoticed. It rarely causes any serious signs. But still, there are some of the symptoms, which can help a person to realize this viral infection. The signs include fever, weakness, joint pain, rashes and conjunctivitis. It may even cause headache in affected individuals. The virus is also known to cause a rare and serious neurological disorder too. And the disorder is Guillain-Barre syndrome that is actually seen after an infection. So, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor, if you’re experiencing any such symptoms.

3. Zika Virus Leads to Birth Defects

One of the serious complications of this viral infection is that it can lead to birth defects in the newborn baby. A baby may born abnormally with small head. The central nervous system is incomplete in such babies. This condition is known as microcephaly. This condition may cause several other complications also such as delay in the development of the body. In some cases, the condition may even cause death of a newborn. Hence, a pregnant lady should take extra care.

4. Is there any Treatment for Zika Virus?

Well, till now, there’s no such specific treatment available for Zika virus. Even a specific vaccine is not available. Undoubtedly, antibiotics are there to treat most of the microbial infections, but for this viral problem, not even a specific drug is available in the market. But yes, research is going on and experts are saying that they will very soon discover the vaccine as well as the treatment for the same. But still, we have to take precautions by ourselves and should avoid such countries, where it’s spreading widely.

5. Precautions to Protect against Zika Virus

The only precaution we can take is to just protect ourselves from the mosquito bites. First of all, avoid traveling to countries, where it’s commonly spreading, nowadays. But yes, if necessary, then you must take some precautions. Prefer wearing full sleeved clothes. Stay in air conditioned places and where mosquitoes can be kept outside through windows. While sleeping, use mosquito nets. If you are residing overseas, then use mosquito bed nets. Use good and registered insect repellents. And yes, after all, prevention is better than cure.

So I think, you’re now enough aware about what is Zika Virus. So, take care of yourself. And yes, maintain yourself healthy enough and take proper precautions as well as keep yourself away from the mosquito bites.

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