Zika virus

  • IASbaba
  • August 3, 2021
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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

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