Zika virus infection occurs through intermediary Aedes, particularly Aedes aegypti species. Disease it causes named as Zika, Zika disease (Zika disease) or fever Zika (Zika fever).Zika virus that has infected humans can cause several symptoms, such as fever, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and rash. Zika disease symptoms can resemble the symptoms of dengue and chikungunya and can last a few days to a week.
Zika virus first found in rhesus monkey in the jungle Zika, Uganda, in 1947. Zika virus then rediscovered in the mosquito species Aedes Africanus in the same forest in 1948 and in humans in Nigeria in 1954. Zika virus becoming endemic diseases and began to spread beyond Africa and Asia in 2007 in the South Pacific region. In May 2015, this virus is widespread in Brazil. The spread of this virus continues to occur in January 2016 in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Samoa (Oceania). In Indonesia alone, Zika virus has been found in Edinburgh in 2015.
Zika Virus Causes
The cause of the disease Zika (Zika disease) or fever Zika (Zika fever) is the Zika virus. Zika virus included in the line flavivirus virus that still comes from the same family as the virus that causes the disease dengue / dengue.
Zika virus is spread to humans by infected Aedes mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected after biting patients who already have the virus. These mosquitoes are very active during the day and live and breed in the indoor or outdoor are close to humans, especially in the area that there is a puddle of water.
Although rare, Zika virus can be transmitted from a mother to her baby. Zika virus is likely transmitted from a pregnant mother to the fetus in the womb. Can also labor .To date infants were infected at this time, cases of Zika virus transmission through breastfeeding have not been found so medical experts still encourage infected mothers to breastfeed their babies.
In addition, there are some reports that Zika virus transmission occurs through blood transfusions and sexual contact.
Zika Virus Symptoms
In addition to general symptoms that have been mentioned, other symptoms Zika virus found are a headache, pain behind the eyes, and tired. These symptoms are generally mild and lasted until about one week.
Regarding the Zika virus incubation period is unknown, but possibly lasting up to 2-7 days since patients exposed to this virus (bitten by mosquito vectors). Of the five people infected with the virus Zika, a person becomes ill from the virus. Although rare, severe cases can occur that require further treatment in the hospital or even death.
Zika virus transmission that occurs in the womb was associated with the occurrence of microcephaly and brain damage in the fetus. Microcephaly is a condition in which the circumference of the head is smaller than normal size.
Virus Diagnosis Zika
Viewed from symptoms that mimic many other diseases, the examination of these trips ever undertaken by the patient, particularly to areas which have cases of Zika virus infection can help narrow the differential diagnosis. The doctor may ask area, time, and activity during a visit to the area.
The doctor may do blood tests to detect viral nucleic acid, isolating the virus, or serologic testing. In addition to blood, sampling is usually done in 1-3 days after symptoms appear, urine and saliva may also be a test material in the third to the fifth day.
Zika Virus Treatment
Zika virus treatment focuses on reducing symptoms felt by the patient as vaccines and medications aimed at this disease has not been found. Treatment of the symptoms experienced may include infusion of fluids to prevent dehydration, pain medication to relieve fever and headache, as well as adequate rest. Use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not recommended before the possibility of dengue affected patients can be eliminated.
For patients who have been infected with the virus Zika expected to avoid mosquito bites during this virus because Zika virus that can survive long in the patient's blood can be spread to others through mosquito bites.
Zika Virus Prevention
Preventing mosquito bites is one of the preventive measures early can help you avoid infection Zika virus. Some preventive measures that can be done when you are in an area affected Zika virus, among others:
Ensuring the place you live has air conditioning or at least have curtains doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the room.
Use mosquito nets on the beds if the area you are visiting does not have the above.
Use long-sleeved shirts and pants
Use insect repellent material which is listed on the environmental protection agency or environmental protection agency (EPA), in accordance with the instructions on the packaging. Instructions attached will provide information on the application, the application area is allowed, the time and duration of application.
Infants under the age of two months are not allowed to use insect repellent material so you must ensure that the baby clothes can protect from mosquito bites.
Also, use of mosquito nets in a crib, stroller, and a sling or other baby carrier tools.
Pay attention to body area children older adults when applying insect repellent material. Avoid areas of the body that are injured or experiencing irritation, eye area, mouth, and hands.
Choose care, washing, or use clothing and equipment that use materials containing permethrin. Learn about product information and instructions regarding the use of protection provided. Avoid using these products on the skin.
Learn well as information about the area you will visit, such as health facilities and the outdoor area is open before the departure time arrives, especially areas Zika virus.
Perform tests Zika virus after returning you, especially pregnant women, from the spread of the virus Zika.
Symptoms of contracting dengue virus are similar zika
Most recently we were surprised by the news of the appearance of the disease triggered by Zika virus and its effects on the fetus in the womb.
Zika virus infected patients will usually show symptoms such as fever, headache, a red rash appears on the skin, joint pain and red eyes.
May also be followed by pain in the behind the eyes or vomiting. In passing this virus symptoms similar to dengue fever.
This virus has not been suffered by Indonesian people anywhere in an earlier era. The existence of the virus in Indonesia is only revealed through the Eijkman Institute report cited by Compass some time ago.
Dr.Herawati Sudoyo Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Institute Eijkman said it discovered the virus during an outbreak of dengue fever (dengue) in Edinburgh in December 2014-April 2015.
By a group of researchers from the University of Bahia, Brazil, mosquitoes carrying the virus is identified as Aedes Egypt and Aedes albopictus.
Interestingly, a study reported in 2003 by J.G. Olson, T.G. Ksiazek, Suhandiman, and Triwibowo mention that Zika virus has entered Indonesia since 1977-1978. When the researchers 'finding' the 30 patients in the hospital Tegalyoso, Klaten, Central Java, which show symptoms of contracting the virus zika.
While another report said a female tourist from Australia 52 years contracted the virus during a visit to Jakarta, Indonesia in 2013.
How to prevent contracting the virus zika?
First discovered in UgandaZika virus was first discovered in 1947 in the body of a monkey that lives in the Forest Zika, Uganda. Cases of humans infected with Zika virus first occurred in Nigeria in 1954.This virus entry into Southeast Asia begins with an outbreak in Micronesia Islands in 2007. In 2009 it was revealed that the virus can be transmitted through sexual intercourse.Although not yet found a cure for this virus, deaths due to Zika virus has never happened. Patients reported to gradually recover after 2-7 days of first showed signs of contracting the virus.This is not the reason we are able to relax the face of this mysterious virus attack because of the attack Zika virus quite cumbersome and interfere with daily activities. Moreover, if for example you are working or have small children.Moreover, given the impact on pregnant women and fetuses in the womb.
How to prevent contracting the virus zika
1. Avoid yourself from mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent creams, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants when outside the home.
2. Infants under three months of age are not allowed to wear a mosquito repellent cream. Conceal cots with mosquito nets to avoid mosquito bites.
3. Fill your home with the air conditioner or screen over the vent house to banish mosquitoes from entering your home.
4. Change water in flower vases at bath regularly.
5. Children and infants over the age of three months should wear a mosquito repellent cream appropriate to their age.
6. Drink lots of water and get enough rest.
7. Immediately consult a doctor if your body showed signs of contracting the virus.Hopefully, this information is helpful.