Brilio.net - Zika virus is not a new virus that has spread globally. This virus has been around since 1947 which is now being watched as the next global health threat. Reporting from the World Health Organization (WHO) page, the Zika virus is classified as one of the diseases that has the potential to become a pandemic, along with SASR, Covid-19, ebola, and others.
It should be noted that this virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in Rhesus Monkeys which then infected humans in other African countries in the 1950s. It did not stop there, in the 1960s to 1980s sporadic infections in humans were detected from Africa to Asia.
Then, the Zika virus began to spread in America to the Pacific in 2007. Over the past few decades, Zika virus infections have been found to be associated with an increase in the incidence of Guillain-Barre syndrome. This virus is dangerous enough that in February-November 2016, WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) related to microcephaly, neurological disorders, and the Zika virus.
Thankfully, in 2017 the Zika virus worldwide began to decline. However, transmission of this virus still exists in several countries in America and in other endemic areas. So what is the Zika virus that has the potential to become the next pandemic? Let's see the review below as summarized by brilio.net from various sources, Thursday (8/8).
What is Zika virus?
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Zika virus is a type of virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family and the Flavivirus genus. This virus was first discovered in 1947 in the Zika forest, Uganda, and initially only attacked monkeys. However, this virus can then be transmitted to humans through the bite of the Aedes mosquito.
Zika virus is a type of arbovirus , a virus transmitted by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, flies, or ticks. This virus has a single-stranded RNA genome wrapped in a protein coat. The genetic structure of the zika virus is quite similar to other viruses in the Flaviviridae family, such as dengue virus, chikungunya virus, and yellow fever virus.
Zika virus infection in humans generally causes mild symptoms, such as fever, skin rash, joint pain, and so on. However, the zika virus can also cause serious complications, especially in pregnant women. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of brain development abnormalities in the fetus, such as microcephaly.
The Zika virus first spread in Africa and Asia, but then began to spread in Latin America in 2015-2016. The outbreak has caused more than 2 million cases of infection in several countries, including Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) even declared the Zika virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Currently, the zika virus has spread to various parts of the world and is considered one of the global health threats that need to be watched out for. Therefore, a good understanding of the character of the zika virus is very important for prevention efforts and proper handling.
Symptoms of Zika virus infection.
Reporting from the Ministry of Health's website, Zika virus infection generally causes mild symptoms in sufferers, including:
1. Fever
One of the main symptoms of Zika virus infection is fever. Sufferers will experience an increase in body temperature which is usually not too high, around 37.8C - 38.5C.
2. Skin Rash
The Zika virus can cause a red rash to appear on the skin, especially on the face, arms, and lower body. This rash is usually not itchy.
3. Joint pain
Zika virus infection can also cause pain and stiffness in the joints, especially large joints such as the wrists, elbows, and knees.
4. Conjunctivitis
People with Zika virus infection often experience eye inflammation or conjunctivitis, which is characterized by red and watery eyes.
5. Headache
In addition, headaches are also a symptom that often appears due to Zika virus infection.
6. Muscle Pain
Sufferers can also feel pain in the muscles of the body.
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1. Control the mosquito population
The main step in preventing Zika virus infection is to control the population of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes as the main vectors of transmission.
Actions that can be taken include routinely eradicating mosquito nests, such as draining, closing, and burying water reservoirs. In addition, the use of insecticides and larvicides can also help suppress mosquito breeding.
2. Protect yourself from mosquito bites
In addition to controlling the mosquito population, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is also important to prevent Zika virus infection. For example, wearing clothes that cover the entire body, especially the hands and feet, and implementing the use of repellents and mosquito repellent to avoid bites.
3. Avoid traveling to endemic areas
For individuals who do not have a history of Zika virus infection, it is recommended to avoid traveling to areas experiencing an outbreak or epidemic of Zika virus, especially for pregnant women. For example, in areas prone to aegypti mosquitoes.
4. Ensure cleanliness and sanitation
Maintaining environmental cleanliness and sanitation can also help prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. This includes ensuring proper waste disposal, as well as maintaining and keeping the water channels around the residence clean.
The above prevention efforts need to be carried out comprehensively, involving the active participation of the community, government and health workers.
(brl/wen)
