ZIKA VIRUS IN NIGERIA?

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.