Things To Know About the Zika Virus

June 28, 2022

Mosquitoes may not be tactical weapons but these tiny insects are deadly alright. And the latest health scare involving most of the countries in the planet Earth are caused by these mosquitoes: The Zika virus. So far, there have been 17 reported Zika cases in the Philippines with 13 of 17 cases being reported in the provinces and the remaining 25% being traced back to the Metro in as far south as Muntinlupa and as far east as Antipolo. Of the reported 17 cases, 8 involve women with 1 confirmed case reporting a pregnant woman. Recently, the DOH has confirmed another victim of the Zika virus infection — a pregnant 16-year old girl from Las Piñas City — bringing up the total number of cases to 33 including the 2 pregnant cases (Cebu and Las Piñas). Fortunately for the Cebu Zika case, the woman has undergone two ultrasound with negative results of abnormalities in her pregnancy. \

The Zika Virus has been dealing massive blows to the planet since it first came about. Here is some info about the virus that you should always keep in mind. A brief history The Zika Virus was first seen in a monkey in Africa in 1947 and named after the forest in Uganda where it first affected monkeys. Years later, the virus infected not only monkeys but also humans in Uganda and Tanzania. Symptoms of the Zika virus are more like just a case of flu — headache, muscle and joint pains, slight fever and rash, that most the time they are hardly noticed. These symptoms last for 2 to 7 days. So if this is pretty much just a classic case of the influenza, what’s got the people bothered? Well, while the symptoms of the Zika virus closely resembles that of the flu, its effects are far worse. It is presumed to cause serious complications like neurological problems and birth defects in babies born to women who acquired the virus. One major neurological problem thought to be caused by the Zika virus is the Guillain-Barre syndrome wherein the immune system sends attacks to the body’s own nervous system which ultimately causes paralysis. Microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with abnormally small heads, is also presumably linked to Zika. While most patients get the chance to recuperate from the sickness, death is still not lost in the picture. There is no vaccine nor particular treatment for Zika. Infected people can only take analgesics or pain relievers to fight off the symptoms. Zika is transmitted through mosquito bites, that’s why part of the prevention campaign against it includes using insect repellents or putting screens on windows or keeping them closed. What else do you need to know about Zika? Zika can be passed through sex — vaginal, anal, and oral. Even in the sharing of sex toys. From where it was first reported (Africa, Asia, and the Pacific), last year, the virus reached the American continent. The virus is still spreading and Brazil has been widely affected. The best way to prevent Zika is to not get bitten by mosquitoes. Again, use insect repellent. You can also start wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. More importantly, get rid of the root cause. Remove stagnant water inside and around your home. Stagnant water serves as breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you are pregnant and live in an area without the Zika virus, avoid travelling to places with the virus at all costs. If your partner, on the other hand, has to travel to a country affected by the Zika virus, try to abstain from sexual relations upon their return or have safe sex for at least 4 weeks. It’s also advisable to wear clothes that cover the body to prevent mosquito bites. While a mosquito is a small insect — no bigger than a quarter — it can bring down hundreds of families with its blood-sucking proboscis. Size doesn’t matter alright.

*** The author of this article contributed in their own personal capacity. The views expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of COCOGEN Insurance.

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