
According to World Health
Organization (WHO), Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that was first
discovered in Uganda, 1947 in monkeys. It comes from the Zika forest of Uganda
Later in 1952; it was discovered in humans in now both Uganda and Tanzania.
Zika virus can be transmitted
through a mosquito, Aedes aegypti which bites in the evenings, sexual
transmission in partners, and mother to child during pregnancy and blood
transfusions.
Brief History
1947- It was first discovered in
Uganda, where monkeys tested positive for the Zika virus.
1952- It was discovered in human
beings where at first the symptoms resembled those of yellow fever.
1954-1983- The virus spread
across African and Asian countries during this period
2007- The first outbreak of Zika
virus beyond Africa and Asia was discovered on the Island of Yap in the Federal
States of Micronesia.
2013-2014- Zika virus spread to
French Polynesia, Easter Island, Cook Islands and New Caledonia.
2015- Zika virus crossed borders
from Brazil to countries in South America, North America, Central America and
the Caribbean. It is estimated that 1.5 million people have been infected by
Zika virus in Brazil.
2016- World Health Organization
declared Zika virus as a long term disaster rather than an emergency.
2017- Angola reported two cases
of the Zika virus.
Zika virus at the moment
According to newsroom reports,
below is the statistics as per today.
Caribbean
There are 598 confirmed cases of
Zika virus.
South America
There are 5439 confirmed cases of
Zika virus.
Mexico, Florida and Texas
There is evidence of Zika virus
in the US & Mexico. Expectant mothers and those intending to conceive
together with their partners have been warned not to travel to Zika
transmission areas.
Zika forecast
With a view of the Aedes aegypti
map, Africa, South America and Asian countries will have highest infections of
Zika virus infection in the next five years. The infections will primarily be
transmitted through mosquito bite.
What can we do?
It is said prevention is better
than cure and as we can see in the current situation cure is becoming hard to
find and if it is there, not everyone can afford the cost that comes with it.
Health providers have therefore come up with preventive measures for people to
follow.
• Sleep under treated mosquito
net. It is recommended everyone should try and sleep under a net more
especially those in affected regions.
• Shut windows and doors to avoid
entry of the mosquitoes. Apply insect repellent. This can apply to people who
do not want to use a net. The repellent has an annoying scent to keep off these
tiny monsters.
• Wear clothes that cover 99% of
your skin to minimize mosquito biting.
• Abstaining from sexual acts
with infected people.
• Using protection when engaging
in sexual act with an infected person.
For Expectant mothers
Avoid unnecessary travel to
regions that are prone to the Zika virus until after delivery.
Zika Vaccine
Scientists are working round the
clock to come up with the vaccine. It is expected that by 2018, health
facilities across the Globe will be fully equipped with the vaccine.
And remember, Mayfair Cares and will keep you informed.
References
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/05/yes-zika-will-soon-spread-united-states-it-won-t-be-disaster
https://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/health/what-is-zika-virus.html?_r=0