ZIKA is a virus that is spread through the bite of Aedes Aegypti mosquito which also causes dengue and chikungunya. This virus causes microcephaly. Children, in such cases, are born abnormal with a small brain and big eyes.

The symptoms of the disease are moderate fever, skin rash, headaches, joints and muscle pain or soreness, fatigue, red eyes. These symptoms emerge between three days to a week after a person is bitten by a mosquito. To date there is no vaccine or specific drug for the treatment of Zika virus.

People infected by the virus should get plenty of rest, drink fluids to prevent dehydration, and take medicines prescribed by a medical practitioner to reduce fever. People should use mosquito repellents and mosquito nets.

Stringent measures should also be taken to ensure there are no pools of stagnant water. People should exercise caution and avoid visiting affected countries like the USA and Brazil.

According to the WHO and the NHA of Pakistan, our country is safe from Zika virus. However, we need to be on the guard.

Syed Aamir Hussain

Larkana

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2016