Zika, the mosquito-borne virus captured international attention in early 2015 when an outbreak hit Brazil, where almost 7,000 cases were reported. Since then, researchers have been linking the virus to neurogical disorders, such as the Guillain-Barre Syndrome characterized by the sudden weakening of muscles; and Microcephaly, a congenital disorder that causes babies to be born with underdeveloped brains and abnormally small heads.
As information about the virus continuously evolves, Zika’s reach continues to widen. Currently, it affects 57 countries, including those in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
The Mosquito and Transmission
In 1952, the first human Zika cases were detected in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. In the next decades, its outbreak was reported on the island of Yap, located in the Caroline Islands, part of the Federal States of Micronesia.
Zika is carried by arthropods, particularly mosquitoes and ticks. It is usually transmitted when an Aedes mosquito bites a person with an active infection, and then spreads the virus through consequent bites. It is the same type of mosquito that carries Dengue fever, yellow fever, and the Chikungunya virus. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters, but may also bite at night. Recently, researchers confirmed that ZIka could be sexually transmitted.
Signs and Symptoms
In the majority of cases, Zika Virus infection is asymptomatic, which means that victims do not exhibit the following symptoms until 3 to 12 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito:
• Mild fever, headache, muscle pain and joint pain
• Nausea, vomiting, and general malaise
• Pink eye (inflammation of conjuctiva)
• Skin rash on the face, neck, trunk and upper arms, which can spread to the palms or soles
• Sensitivity to light.
• Lack of appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, and dizziness
Most people fully recover from the illness within 7 days. But pregnant women are among those who are in most danger when infected by the disease, since the virus can be passed on to the fetus, which may suffer from the neurological defect, Microcephaly.
Zika in PH
Our country confirmed its first Zika case last August this year. A 45 year-old woman from Iloilo City tested positive for both strains of the virus, after complaining about skin rash and joint pains, which are common symptoms of this virus. Later, two more cases were reported from the same household. In September, the virus was reported in three provinces. Seven patients came from Iloilo City, one from Cebu and one from Laguna province. Recently, ten more cases were added to the list.
According to the Department of Health, the Philippines has a total of 33 cases. The first pregnant case in the country is a 22-year-old from Cebu. Initial examination through ultrasound revealed no detectable fetal abnormalities.
For more details on combatting Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya, watch this:
Making headlines around the world, the Zika Virus is the latest, most dangerous threat to our health. Similar to the Ebola Virus Alert in 2014, which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared as a global health emergency, the rapid spreading of the Zika Virus has put the illness in the same category alert this year.
According to Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette Garin, the Philippines is not included on the list of 28 countries infected by the Zika Virus in the last nine months. Latin American countries, particularly Brazil and Colombia, take the top spot, suffering from the most number of Zika cases.
Although the Philippines has numerous Dengue cases, there have been no reported Zika Virus incidents in the country yet. DOH assured the public that it would equip at least six hospitals for the said virus.
How is this virus transmitted?
Like Dengue, the mosquito, Aedes Aegypti, also carries the Zika Virus, which can be transmitted through just one bite during their peak hours in the daytime. These mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant waters.
Climate Change and Zika Virus
Climate Change, which produces unusual and extreme weather events, may worsen the virus. Because of the heavy rains Brazil experienced, this led to a proliferation of stagnant water, a breeding habitat for the Zika-carrying mosquitoes. Brazil had at least 4,000 cases of the virus last October alone.
Because of the ongoing El Niño, water storage has become a common practice. If done improperly, stored water may also be a breeding ground for the mosquitoes. The warm temperature also makes it easier for the virus to spread.
Signs and Symptoms
Currently, the six hospitals accredited by the DOH as testing centers for the virus are the following: Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntilupa City, Baguio General Hospital in Baguio City, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City and San Lazaro Hospital in Manila City.
Unlike Dengue, its symptoms can be treated with common pain and fever medicines, rest and plenty of water. But if symptoms persist after two days, Garin says it is much better to consult the nearest Zika-equipped hospital.
Caution for Soon-to-be-Moms!
The virus is suspected to affect the brain of an unborn child. There have been cases of microcephaly, wherein the infant’s head is too small for its size because of an underdeveloped brain. In line with this, WHO Director General, Margaret Chan suggests that pregnant women delay or refrain from traveling to areas affected with Zika.
Treatment
As of today, there is no available vaccine and medicine for the Zika Virus. But DOH is hopeful that we can fight this virus through the 4S:
Search and destroy breeding places of mosquitoes.
Self-protection measures, such as applying mosquito repellant and wearing pants and long sleeves
Seek early consultation when signs and symptoms occurs.
Say yes to fogging.