ZIKA VIRUS
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Zika virus is a disease mainly caused by Aedes mosquitoes bites mostly in tropical and subtropical regions (Benelli,& Romano, 2017). Zika’s first outbreak was recorded on the island of Yap and later spread in French Polynesia. More cases and transmission soon followed globally, with more than 88 countries reporting mosquito-transmitted virus cases. This discussion will look at how body defenses and measures people can take to avoid contracting the virus.
Firstly, its symptoms include; rash, headaches, joint/muscle pain, fever, and brain damage. Its leading cause of transmission is mosquito bites, although it can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, and pregnancy. However, the body has some defenses mechanism that helps combat the virus through a protein immune cell CD4 (Petersen, 2016). The cell is essential in protecting infected people with the zika virus against neurological diseases since there is no known treatment. CD4 cells protect replication in the nervous system by preventing neurological disorders.
One way is by preventing mosquito bites, especially to expectant mothers and children. The use of protective clothing covers most body parts, using barriers like windows and applying insect repellent (Petersen 2016). Besides, expectant mothers and children should use mosquito nets while sleeping. Since it’s also transmitted sexually, people with the infection should be correctly counseled regarding getting pregnant to avoid adverse pregnancy outcomes. Also, people should engage in safer sex practices or abstain. Finally, pregnant women should be more careful since the virus can be transmitted to the fetus, causing microcephaly.
In response to this discussion, people who wish to travel to regions with high Zika cases should observe all the guidelines provided, especially pregnant women. It is advised against them traveling during their pregnancy period.
References
Benelli, G., & Romano, D. (2017). Mosquito vectors of Zika virus. Entomologia Generalis, 309-318.
Petersen, E. E., Staples, J. E., Meaney-Delman, D., Fischer, M., Ellington, S. R., Callaghan, W. M., & Jamieson, D. J. (2016). Interim guidelines for pregnant women during a Zika virus outbreak—the United States, 2016. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 65(2), 30-33.
Petersen, L. R., Jamieson, D. J., Powers, A. M., & Honein, M. A. (2016). Zika virus. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(16), 1552-1563.