As coronavirus, its variants, and several fungal infections detected in the COVID recovered patients continue to wreak havoc in India, Kerala has reported at least 10 confirmed cases of another viral disease called Zika virus infection. All 10 cases are from Thiruvananthapuram, according to local media reports.

According to Kerala health minister Veena George, this is the first instance of Zika virus infection in the state. Here is all you need to know about this new Zika virus.

What is Zika Virus?

As per World Health Organization, Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day.

It was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys and was later identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. The virus outbreaks have also been reported in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific. 

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What are the symptoms of Zika Virus infection?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) many people who are infected with the Zika virus may possibly don’t experience any special symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. However, the most common symptoms of Zika are

1- Fever

2-Rashes

3- Headache

4- Joint pain

5-Red eyes or conjunctivitis

6- Muscle pain

7- Malaise

CDS says that the Zika virus symptoms can last for several days to a week.

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Is Zika Virus infection deadly?

According to CDC, patients infected with Zika virus usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and very rarely die of Zika. Just like any other virus, once a person has been infected with Zika, they are likely to be protected from future infections.

How is Zika Virus transmitted?

Just like any other virus, Zika is also communicable. But unlike Corona, its transmission is more specific and restricted. Zika can be transmitted in the following ways:

1- Through mosquito bite (it usually bites in the day time)

2- From an infected pregnant woman to her fetus

3- Through sexual intercourse

4- Through blood transfusion (However, this is not conformed but it is highly likely that blood transfusion transmits the virus)

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How can Zika Virus infection be prevented?

Since Zika is primarily caused through a mosquito bite one of the most important ways of prevention is to use a mosquito repellent. While going outside in an insect-prone area, wear full-sleeved clothes. Sinc it is also transmitted through sexual intercourse, it is advisable to use condoms while having sex.