Man has always been the victim of circumstances and sometimes, he treats as a whimsical puppet in the hands of God and sometimes, he feels extreme agonies of pain for his silent gesture of gloomy face that reflects his inability as a helpless human being to do something. But, it is also true that, we are born in a challenging era where little or more we have to suffer multifarious sorts of known and unknown diseases; some of them are curable, some are hard to cure and rest of them are incurable in spite of being the wonders of modern science. In this regard, Zika virus infection is one of them which has traumatized the world with its rapid growth and has its ominous impacts on human health. Though the scientists are still unable to invent its curing vaccine in the recent time, nevertheless, its research work is still going on. Therefore, it is now considered as a global concern for the time being. Zika becomes a global concern
Researchers warn us that Zika infection during pregnancy can cause fetuses to have a birth
defect of the brain called microcephaly
Rana Dutta
Man has always been the victim of circumstances and sometimes, he treats as a whimsical puppet in the hands of God and sometimes, he feels extreme agonies of pain for his silent gesture of gloomy face that reflects his inability as a helpless human being to do something. But, it is also true that, we are born in a challenging era where little or more we have to suffer multifarious sorts of known and unknown diseases; some of them are curable, some are hard to cure and rest of them are incurable in spite of being the wonders of modern science. In this regard, Zika virus infection is one of them which has traumatized the world with its rapid growth and has its ominous impacts on human health. Though the scientists are still unable to invent its curing vaccine in the recent time, nevertheless, its research work is still going on. Therefore, it is now considered as a global concern for the time being.
Zika virus is truly a mosquito-borne disease; it is now spreading by the Aedes species of mosquito, known as the Asian Tiger mosquito, and the Aedes aegypti species are responsible for the transmission of dengue and chikungunya viruses as well. It is significant to know that unlike malaria-carrying mosquitos, this species is mostly active during the day and so, barrier methods such as mosquito nets are ineffective in this concern and we find its existence both in the indoor and the outdoor environments. It was first identified in monkeys in Uganda in 1947 and the first human case, however, was detected in Nigeria in 1954, and following that there have been further outbreaks in Africa, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Now, it is high time to know about the symptoms that help us to identify the Zika virus diseases. According to the experts, deaths are rare in this case but, only one-in-five people infected is thought to develop symptoms. But, the incubation period of Zika virus disease is not clear; it is likely to be a few days. But, later on it turns a devastating outlook and it may be more serious for pregnant women, as there is evidence that it causes birth defects in particular, abnormally small heads (microcephaly). The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.
In this case, people usually do not get sick enough to go to the hospital but, once a person has been infected with Zika, they are likely to be protected from future infections. A rare nervous system disorder and the Guillain-Barre syndrome can cause temporary paralysis has been linked to the infection. The study does highlight the fact that, due to air travel, viruses once confined to remote corners of the globe. Moreover, it has the potentiality to spread quickly and so, if any one desires to travel to a part of the world where any mosquito borne disease is prevalent; it is important to take correct precautions and otherwise, one has to be victimized, no doubt at all.
According to a new modelling study, there are three different aspects to identify the areas which are the most susceptible to the Zika virus such as: air transportation, mosquito occurrences and Zika transmission. The study also suggests that the virus could spread, via air travel, to Asia and Africa. It is mainly spread by mosquitoes. Therefore, to carry out their study, they used data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), observations made of the main mosquito species that carry Zika, and climate conditions using World Climate (a free collection of data sets on past, current and predicted climate trends).
In this connection, countries which have a perfect storm combination of high population, high mosquito activity and underfunded health services may be particularly vulnerable. These include India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Pakistan and Bangladesh as well. Here, the researchers put an argument that their findings will offer valuable information for public health decision makers at both national and international levels; nevertheless, it helps them to have a proper plan. So, strategic use of available health and human resources is essential to prevent or mitigate the health, economic, and social consequences of Zika virus infection, especially in resource-limited countries. According to Dr. Kamran Khan, study author from St Michaels Hospital in Toronto, the impact on populations will also depend heavily on the countrys ability to diagnose and respond to a possible outbreak.
In the recent year, Bangladesh confirms its first case of the Zika virus in an old sample of blood from a 67-year old man who had not been overseas but unfortunately affected by this virus. Now in Bangladesh, general people are very much confused either Bangladesh is in the risk of Zika virus panic or not; but, if it is yes, the fact is how dangerously Bangladesh is sustaining on the verge of the Zika virus panic and many more suspicions are poisoning our curious mind directly or indirectly in a gloomy manner. Here, we need an authentic assessment to demonstrate its real impact in Bangladesh. For that reason, we need an extensive research work though the worlds prominent scientists are still researching and continuing their effortless efforts to invent an effective vaccine to get rid of this disease for the sake of humanity.
In their study, the researchers suggest that Bangladesh is at low risk of Zika virus because, American Continent is too far from it where the Zika epidemic is spreading; nevertheless, it is a matter of concern that Aedes species mosquito which quickly transmitted Zika virus. In fact, it is a little-known or untreatable virus to the people primarily through the bite of an infected, is more available in Bangladesh. These are the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. Therefore, Bangladesh could be particularly vulnerable to a Zika outbreak because of their limited health resources and overwhelming population. According to World Health Organization (WHO), it is likely to spread to all countries in the Americas except for Canada and Chile and also estimates that Zika could eventually affect as many as 4 million people in that region. Moreover, Zika outbreak is affecting large parts of Latin America and the Caribbean, with Brazil the hardest hit.
In this regard, researchers warn us that Zika infection during pregnancy can cause fetuses to have a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly. Other problems have been detected among fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus before birth. But the biggest concern is the impact it could have on babies developing in the womb, defects of the eye, hearing deficits and impair the growth. Therefore, protection against mosquito bites is a key measure to prevent Zika virus infection. According to WHO, we can prevent Zika virus infection in the following ways:
By wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants preferably light-colored that cover as much of the body as possible;
Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside;
Sleeping under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors;
By giving special attention to those people who may not be able to protect themselves adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly people;
Using insect repellent containing DEET, IR3535 or icaridin according to the product label instructions;
Do not use insect repellents on babies younger than 2 months old;
Travelers and those living in affected areas should take the basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites;
Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by using condoms or not having sex;
And last of all, by destroying all potential sources of mosquito breeding sites in and around houses such as buckets, drums, pots, gutters, and used tyres.
As we know that there is no vaccine or drug treatment for Zika infections, people are advised to do the following things:
Get plenty of rest and drink fluids to prevent dehydration;
Take medicine such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain;
Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
If anyone is taking medicine for another medical condition, needs to talk to his healthcare provider before taking additional medication;
To help prevent others from getting sick, strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the first week of illness.
And last of all, be conscious about its devastating impact on human health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is worried about the recent panic of Zika virus infection as it is spreading far and fast with its devastating consequences. So, WHO is declaring Zika as a public health emergency of international concern singles the disease out as a serious global threat and it emphasizes the same category of importance as Ebola. Unlike Ebola, where the focus was on boots on the ground, with Zika the attention will be on understanding the link with microcephaly. It is encouraging news to all of us that the WHO will co-ordinate countries health agencies to conduct trials to determine the risk. Hence, WHO is supporting countries to control Zika virus disease by taking actions outlined in the Zika Strategic Response Framework. This framework includes the following factors:
Putting emphasis on the defining and the prioritizing research works on Zika virus disease by convening experts and partners;
Enhance surveillance of Zika virus and potential complications;
By enhancing capacity in the risk communication to engage communities to better understand risks associated with Zika virus;
Strengthen the capacity of laboratories to detect the virus;
Supporting health authorities to implement vector control strategies aimed at reducing Aedes mosquito populations.
And last of all, putting emphasis on raising the public awareness.
Though Zika outbreaks are currently happening in many parts of the world, there are no vaccines or treatments for Zika and the only way to prevent the infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Here, experts also put emphasis that due to the radical climate change South Asian countries are suffering from vector borne diseases. American experts concern about the Zika virus which could be spared as epidemic in the world if it couldnt be controlled by vaccine. National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease informed different media that America is working to make Zika vaccine but it may take time. The World Health Organization (WHO) also asserts that the virus will spread to both North America and South America. Based on how easily the US population was whipped into a hysterical haze during the Ebola scare in 2014, it goes without saying that if Zika reproductive fears hit the US in a big way it would be a political circus of fear and media manipulation.
In comparison with the global Zika menace, experts denote that Bangladesh is in low risk in respect of Zika infection; nevertheless, we are not free from Zika. The countries that possess an overwhelming population, limited resources, poor literacy rate, undeveloped health care system and unhygienic poor life leading are the prime victim of Zika virus panic. Therefore, third world countries like Bangladesh with limited resources must have to take an effective strategic plan to sustain somehow and it should not be confined within the plan only; it needs to apply truly and minutely.
It is obvious though, the alarm for a Zika epidemic is already being sounded internationally and this has tremendous potential implications on society. But, no one is questioning the current course of public policy on this issue; this is because, it is nearly impossible to make a scientific ruling on these issues within the short span of time and lack of government institute on this guidelines. But, we also know that it will be a gigantic task for the government alone to the take the huge challenge; here, beside the government, communities should support their local government efforts to reduce mosquitoes in their locality, health authorities may also advise that spraying of insecticides be carried out and most important to make people aware of the fact by the social encouragement, by the demonstration of various instructional programs on local TV channels and so on.
The writer is Assistant Deputy Secretary, BKMEA
E-mail: [email protected]
