Zika virus cases reported in Kerala: All you need to know about the symptoms, treatment and prevention

As the country slowly returns back to a state of normalcy and the implications of the second wave of coronavirus subsides, on Thursday, Kerala reported 13 cases of mosquito-borne viral infection Zika virus for the first time.

Reportedly, the first case of Zika virus involves a 24-year-old pregnant woman in Thiruvananthapuram, following which samples of 13 persons, suspected to be positive for Zika virus, have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune. As of now, health officials have said that the condition of the woman is stable and that she delivered her baby on June 7.

Zika virus spreads by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The mosquitoes bite both during the day and night. The Aedes mosquito also known as Ae. aegypti and Ae. Albopictus also causes illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus and infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.

Apart from that, CDC suggests that people infected with the Zika virus can transmit it to their sex partners.

Unlike COVID-19, symptoms of Zika virus are mild. Most common symptoms include fever, rash, headache, red eyes, muscle pain and joint pain.

While the incubation period is said to be between 3–14 days, the symptoms can last for 2–7 days. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms. The CDC believes that infected people usually don’t get sick enough to be hospitalised and very rarely do they die of Zika.

While Zika virus can cause mild infections, it can also result in pregnancy complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth, and preterm birth.

Besides that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Zika virus infection is also a trigger of Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis, particularly in adults and older children."

As of now, research is being conducted to investigate the effects of Zika virus on pregnancy outcomes, strategies for prevention and control, and effects of infection on other neurological disorders in children and adults, according to the WHO.

According to the US's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.

However, it is important to treat the symptoms. Experts suggest ample rest and hydration during the period of infection. Drinking plenty of water keeps the body hydrated and rest helps the body to rejuvenate.

For fever and pain, one can take pain-relieving medications.

As per the CDC, do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding. In case you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication.

As is known, Zika virus spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Therefore, steer clear of mosquito-ridden areas and avoid mosquito bites using mosquito and insect repellents. Clear out areas that could become a possible hub for mosquito breeding.

According to the CDC, "During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people." Therefore, take all necessary precautions.

Additionally, avoid having any sexual contact with an infected individual, as it is said that Zika virus can be sexually transmitted.