INTRODUCTION
Zika virus is an
emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in
rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was
subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of
Tanzania. It is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. People with
Zika virus disease usually have a mild fever, skin rash (exanthema) and
conjunctivitis. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days. There is no specific
treatment or vaccine currently available.
Outbreaks of Zika
virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.
Genre: Flavivirus
Vector: Aedes
mosquitoes (which usually bite during the morning and late afternoon/evening
hours)
Reservoir: Unknown
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The incubation
period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear,
but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus
infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis,
muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild
and last for 2-7 days.
Recently in
Brazil, local health authorities have observed an increase in Zika virus
infections in the general public as well as an increase in babies born with
microcephaly (small heads) in northeast Brazil which is yet to be discovered in
Nigeria. However, more investigation is needed before we understand the
relationship between microcephaly in babies and the Zika virus. Other potential
causes are also being investigated.
TRANSMISSION
Zika virus is
transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes
genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that
transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. No clinical case has being
discovered in Nigeria but these Aedes aegypti
mosquitoes are present in Nigeria which causes yellow fever (Fagbami AH et al., Niger Med J. 1976).
DIAGNOSIS
Zika virus is
diagnosed through PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and virus isolation from
blood samples.
PREVENTION
Mosquitoes and
their breeding sites pose a significant risk factor for Zika virus infection.
Prevention and control relies on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction
(removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between mosquitoes
and people.
This can be done
by using insect repellent; wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that
cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as screens,
closed doors and windows; and sleeping under mosquito nets.
It is also important
to empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water such as buckets, flower
pots or tyres, so that places where mosquitoes can breed are removed.
Special attention
and help should be given to those who may not be able to protect themselves
adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly.
During outbreaks,
health authorities may advise that spraying of insecticides be carried out.
TREATMENT
Zika virus disease
is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with
Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and
fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care
and advice. There is currently no vaccine available.
IS ZIKA VIRUS IN NIGERIA?
Recently, Minister for Health in
Nigeria, Prof. Isaac Adewole while defending the 2016 budget of the Ministry told
Nigerians to put minds of Nigerians at ease when he said the incurable disease
poses little threat to Nigerians based on an essay by A.H Fagbami. A study of
Zika virus infections was carried out in four communities in Oyo State, Nigeria
and virus isolation studies between 1971-1975 resulted two cases of mild
febrile illness. The essay further explained that Haemagglutination-inhibition
tests showed a high level of antibodies to Zika virus and three other
Flavi-viruses: Zika virus (31%), Yellow fever (50%), west Nile (46%).
In conclusion, it means that the immunity of the body is adequately prepared to combat the virus in case of any infection.
