The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there is a sharp increase in Zika virus cases in Puerto Rico. From a single case involving an 80-year old year, there are now more than 30 confirmed patients by the end of January. Now, we'll you give an information about how to detect Zika virus disease and how to treat it.
One in five people infected with the Zika virus will become ill, according to CDC. Most of patients infected with the virus usually have few or no symptoms. In worst cases, the patients may not be aware that they are infected with the virus.
The Zika virus spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes in the Aedes genus.
Symptoms
Dr. Robert Amler from New York Medical College in Valhalla gave details about the few symptoms of Zika virus disease. "Those who do feel ill may experience fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes (conjunctivitis)," Dr. Amler told in Live Science.
While the symptoms of Zika typically pass within just few days, experts are alarmed about the potential link between Zika and birth defects such as microcephaly. Fetuses and newborns are particularly at risk if a pregnant woman is infected with the virus. The infection can also lead to miscarriages.
There are also reports claiming that patients are developing Guillain-Barré syndrome after they were infected by the Zika. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder that targets the central nervous system.
Prevention
There are numerous ways to prevent Zika infection. First, avoid traveling to countries that are currently experiencing outbreak. It is also recommended that peole shoud wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
As of 3 February 2016, these are the countries that have Zika virus alert:
- Puerto Rico
- American Samoa
- Barbados
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Samoa
- Suriname
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Cape Verde
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Curaçao
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guadeloupe
- Tonga
- US Virgin Islands
Remember that this list may grow as health experts are still receiving reports about cases of Zika in other countries.
As a general precaution, it is advisable that people should visit their local health care provider before travelling to country in which Zika virus is a concern.
Treatment
As of now, there are no medications or vaccines available to treat Zika infection. If a patient is infected with the virus, a medical professional will likely prescribe plenty of rest and fluids to help the body fight the infection.
Medical New Today also advised patients to take pain and fever reliever like acetaminophen or paracetamol.
