ZIKA VIRUS: A CURRENT GLOBAL HEALTH EMERGENCY

The Zika Virus is a new disease causing virus, reinforced with the characteristics of the Ebola and HIV viruses and even more. The emergence of this virus and its ills has not only been a trending issue but also a common headache across boundaries. As a result, its prevention and possible cure is the target-in-view of most scientific efforts currently.

Zika, a flavivirus transmitted mainly by the Aedes mosquitoes was discovered in 1947 in Uganda and from the 1960s to 1980s, zika infections in humans were found across Africa and Asia, typically accompanied by mild illness. The first large outbreak of the disease was reported from the Island of Yap within the Federated States of Micronesia in 2007 as the virus moved from south-east Asia across the Pacific. Owing to endemic outbreaks in French Polynesia between 2013-14, the neurological disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) symptomised by the development of unusually small heads and brain damage in new-borns was linked to the Zika infection.

In May 2015, the first reports of locally transmitted infection came from Brazil, South America. As a result, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently declared the Zika virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) prompted by growing concern that it could cause birth defects.

Until recently, global health officials paid little attention to the Zika virus that circulated in the same regions as the Dengue and Chikungunya viruses owing to very few and remoted cases. However local transmission of Zika infection have been reported from more than 20 countries and territories in the North and South America and an outbreak numbering thousands of cases is under way in Cape Verde, western Africa. Moreso, it is estimated that four million people could be infected with the virus by the end of the year 2016, hence the discuss. This write-up will cover the symptoms, modes of transmission, treatment as well as preventive measures of the zika virus.

SYMPTOMS OF THE ZIKA VIRUS DISEASE
The symptoms of Zika are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, which are diseases caused by other viruses spread by the same type of mosquitoes. However, the most common symptoms of Zika are fever, severe rashes, painful joints and red eyes. Other symptoms include muscle pain and headache. Symptoms usually begin 2-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and last several days to a week.

MODES OF TRANSMISSION
Zika is transmitted mainly by the vector, the Aedes mosquitoes. It is also transmitted from person-to-person through semen during intercourse and from mother-to-child via transplacental transmission during birth.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF ZIKA VIRUS
There is no specific treatment for Zika yet. Symptoms can only be managed by getting rest, drinking fluids to prevent dehydration and taking medicines such as acetaminophen or paracetamol to relieve fever and pain.
Moreso, no vaccine or preventive drug is available at this time. The best way to prevent Zika is to avoid mosquito bites when traveling to regions where Zika is present and avoiding sex with an infected person.

CONCLUSION
Zika virus infection in humans appears to have changed in character while expanding its geographical range. The change is from an endemic, mosquito-borne infection causing mild illness across equatorial Africa and Asia, to an infection causing, from 2007 onwards, large outbreaks, and from 2013, outbreaks linked with neurological disorders including Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly across the Pacific region and North and South America. In the future, transmission of Zika infection is likely to coincide mainly with the distribution of the Aedes mosquito vectors, although there may be instances of transmission through semen and mother-to-child transplacental transmission. Beyond these range, zika virus has been and will continue to be carried widely by international travel across boundaries.

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that:
a. You visit a Doctor whenever you develop symptoms of the virus or have visited an area where it is endemic.
b. You use a NAFDAC-registered mosquito repellent to fight off mosquitoes.
c. the use of air conditioning, window screens and treated mosquito nets should be encouraged.
d. Stagnant water in flower pot, pet dishes and bird baths should be frequently changed or emptied.
e. You wear long sleeve shirts and trousers when the weather permits.