| By Sharmain GraingerZika has been the talk of the town. In fact Zika has become the subject of global discussions. This, however, has been classified by some as just another viral infection making its way around the world.During the past few years there have been some viral outbreaks making the headlines, and though the year has only just begun, it’s seems that the outbreak of the Zika Virus has thus far taken the cake for 2016. This is in spite of the fact that the outbreak in this part of the world reportedly occurred in May of last year. Some countries have long issued advisories about travelling to countries that have been touched by Zika.But if perchance you are not familiar with Zika by now, you must have really been out of the loop for quite awhile. But I’ll help you get on track.Zika is a mosquito-borne virus. All the reputable agencies like the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that it is transmitted much like Chikungunya and Dengue Fever – by the bites of the Aedes type of mosquitoes that would have bitten an infected person.This fact has frightened a lot of people. Some have gone on to question ‘if a mosquito can transmit this virus,NCAA Football Jerseys, could a mosquito also transmit HIV?”Well scientists, based on many bouts of experimental investigations, have been able to assure that this is not likely to ever happen.But back to the subject at hand.Zika is manifested with symptoms such as fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, rash and sometimes swelling of the limbs. Some persons may also experience vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. A very distinct symptom too is that of conjunctivitis (pink eye). Symptoms, however, are usually mild, health officials have observed.Since there is no cure for the virus, health officials can only treat the associated symptoms.The virus has been spreading rapidly in the Americas and has reportedly reached to 21 countries in this part of the world. The first reported outbreak in the Americas was in May of last year in Brazil, our neighbour to the south.Guyana has already confirmed one case and the Ministry of Public Health recently sent samples of about 19 suspected cases to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad to determine if they too are positive, Chief Medical Officer,Blake Swihart Jersey, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, told me.According to PAHO, “There are two main reasons for the virus’ rapid spread: (1) the population of the Americas had not previously been exposed to Zika and therefore lacks immunity, and (2) Aedes mosquitoes—the main vector for Zika transmission—are present in all the region’s countries except Canada and continental Chile.”Although no deaths have been linked to Zika, reports of its rapid spread have nevertheless been very disturbing.Health officials are however very concerned about pregnant women, since research suggests that if a pregnant woman is infected with Zika it can cause her to give birth to an abnormal baby. The abnormality is called microcephaly. This is an unusual smallness of the head, and there have been several reports of this occurring in Brazil. Other conditions that have been associated with the virus is the Guillain-Barre syndrome which is an autoimmune disorder.But based on reports out of PAHO, the mother-to-child transmission theory is still being verified. PAHO states that “Evidence on mother-to-child transmission of Zika during pregnancy or childbirth is also limited. Research is currently under way to generate more evidence regarding perinatal transmission, and to better understand how the virus affects babies.”According to PAHO, “it is working with its member countries to strengthen vector-control,WBC Jerseys, communicate the risks of Zika and promote prevention, and establish or improve surveillance of both Zika virus infections and suspected complications, such as microcephaly, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and other autoimmune and neurological disorders.”But what might have been the most disturbing recent report about the virus is that it can be transmitted sexually. And this is likely to really get the attention of most people.In fact, reports out of the United States suggest that the virus was not only found in the semen of two infected persons, but also in their saliva and urine. But according to PAHO,Pat Tillman Cardinals Jersey, one of Guyana’s technical partners on health issues, there is still need for more evidence to confirm whether sexual contact is a means of Zika transmission.According to Dr. Persaud,Austin Hooper Falcons Jersey, the local health sector will follow the lead of PAHO on this issue. “Until PAHO says it is transmitted sexually we will continue to deal with it the way we have been dealing with it,” said the CMO.He however noted that the virus being transmitted sexually is certainly a real possibility.“We have been promoting from way back that when persons experience even a fever they should avoid sexual contact,” said Dr. Persaud,Billy Price Jersey, as he divulged that such advice may not help to prevent the spread of Zika as a sexually transmitted virus. This is due to the fact that a person could have the virus and not manifest any symptoms. “That is a loophole that exists,” said Dr. Persaud as he appealed for persons to use “a barrier method of protection (condom)” during sexual intercourse to prevent possible transmission.Dr. Persaud has also cautioned that infected persons should seek to limit their contact with children, who are usually among the vulnerable population, and who can easily contract infectious diseases.In addition to sleeping under netting and removing mosquito breeding sites, persons can also protect themselves by using insect repellent and wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible. |
