Zika virus disease

Zika virus disease

 

First discovery

Zika virus is firstly found in Africa. In the forest called Zica in uganda, virus is found in the body of red monkey in 1947. The first discovery of human infection is reported in Uganda and Tanzania.

 

 

Contagion

Zika virus disease is usually spread by mosquito. But not like other viruses, it is not spread by just a little touch or by air.

 

There is no example, but some scientist said the virus can be transmitted by blood transfusion. Also, it can be transmitted by sexual relation, and the example of this contagion is reported. Even after patient recuperate, the probability of contagion exists.

 

Symptoms

The most popular symptom of Zika virus disease is small-head baby syndrome, called Microcephalia. It is not that fatal for ordinary people to be infected by Zika virus, but if pregnant woman is infected, it is dangerous for her baby.

 

In fact, the causal relationship between Zika virus disease and Microcephalia is not certain. But, when we watch some data, we can easily discover that where Zika virus disease spread, rate of small-head baby also increases. For ordinary people, by the way, symptoms are fever, arthralgia, eye inflammation, and headache. Incubation period of disease is usually 3-7 days, 2 weeks maximum. And there is no example of who died of Zika virus disease reported yet.

 

Present condition

It is now spread in South America by mosquitos. And it is also found in Southeast Asia and Africa. In South Korea, there are some suspected cases reported, but they are not certainly diagnosed to be a real patient of Zika virus disease. WHO has already issued a warning sign to the world society. And there is no medicine or method of therapy yet.

 

 

To prevent

Firstly, we should avoid mosquitos. Using pesticide or mosquito band is required in South America. Pregnant women are advised not to travel South America. To wear long trousers and long-sleeves shirts is good idea.