Zika virus

Zika virus

Part of: Prelims and GS -II- Health 

In news A multidisciplinary team to Maharashtra to monitor the Zika virus situation and support the State government in management of infections.

What is Zika virus? 

• Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys. 
• It was later identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.
• ZVD is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes (AM), mainly Aedes aegypti.
• This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.
• Transmission: From mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and organ transplantation.
• Symptoms: Fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. 
• Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop symptoms.
• Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly (smaller than normal head size) and other congenital malformations, known as congenital Zika syndrome.
• Treatment: There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika. 
• The focus is on relieving symptoms and includes rest, rehydration and acetaminophen for fever and pain.

News Source: TH