Should we worry about Zika virus? All you need to know about the outbreak

india

Updated: Oct 09, 2018 20:34 IST

The union health ministry sent experts to try and contain an outbreak of the zika virus in Jaipur, with a close watch on pregnant women.

Twenty-two people in the city have tested positive, the health ministry said, Bihar is on alert and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought a report..

There is no vaccine for the virus, which can cause severe birth defects in unborn children. Here’s all you need to know about the virus:

What is Zika virus?

Zika virus is transmitted by daytime-active Aedes Aegypti mosquitos that also carry dengue, chikungunya viruses. Its name comes from the Zika Forest of Uganda, where the virus was first isolated in 1947

Should we worry?

*The virus is strongly suspected to cause birth defects and neurological problems in newborns, which can be a problem given high birth rate in India.

*Since India provides fertile climate for the aedes egypti mosquito to grow and multiply, an outbreak situation is possible.

*The mosquito also carries dengue and chikungunya viruses that claim hundreds of lives and infect thousands every year

*There are no vaccines or cure for Zika virus.

What are the symptoms?

*Fever

*Rashes

*Joint pain

*Head and bodyache

*Conjunctivitis

What are the preventive measures?

*Check mosquito breeding in and around your house

*The mosquito that carries Zika Virus- Aedes Aegypti- breeds in fresh water. Don’t let water collect in birdbaths, planters, unused bottles, containers, discarded waste, tyres etc.

*Use mosquito repellants such as creams, gels, electronic mosquito repellants, patches, incense sticks

*Use bed nets

*Grow plants that are known to repel mosquitoes such as citronella, basil, lemon grass, lavender, mint, rosemary etc.

* Wear dresses that cover most of the body parts.

*Take special precautions during the day as Aedes Aegypti is a day-biting mosquito