People infected with with Zika virus should get plenty of bed rest, stay hydrated and get treatment with basic medicines. Here's all you need to know .
What is Zika virus?
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito, which bites during the day. Symptoms of this disease are mild fever, rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or a headache. Notably, the virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus and can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations.
New Delhi: Expressing concern at the rapidly rising cases of Zika virus in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday, instructing officials to speed up sanitisation work. "Infection of Zika virus is spreading rapidly in Kanpur. Considering the seriousness, special caution is required," he said.
What are Zika virus symptoms?
1. Malaise or headache,
2. Mild fever,
3. Rash,
4. Muscle and joint pain,
5. Conjunctivitis.
How to treat Zika virus infection?
Immediately, treat the symptoms.
* Get ample amount of rest.
* Stay hydrated - drink enough fluids.
* Take medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to reduce fever and pain.
* Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding.
* If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking any other additional medication.
How to prevent Zika infection?
The virus infection can only be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites. Special attention should be given to prevent mosquito bites among pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and young children, advices WHO.
In India, the first local outbreak of Zika virus was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district in July, 2017. Subsequently, Zika virus has been reported from Kerala, Maharashtra and now in Uttar Pradesh.