Zika Virus

• 07 Nov 2023

Source: HT

Why in News?

Recently, the Karnataka State Health Department issued an alert following Zika virus detection in mosquito samples from Talakayalabetta, Chikkaballapura village.

• The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, and its impacts on public health have been a matter of significant concern.

What is Zika Virus?

• About: The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, that is primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti.
  • Also, it can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, as well as through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products.
  • The Zika virus has an RNA genome, and thus a very high potential to accumulate mutations.
    • Genomic studies have suggested that the Zika virus has two lineages: African and Asian.
• History: Discovered in 1947 in the Zika forest in Uganda from infected monkeys, the first human cases were recorded in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania.
  • Outbreaks have occurred across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific since 2007.
  • Notable outbreaks have occurred in Indian states like Kerala and Karnataka in recent years.
• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic; when present, common symptoms include fever, joint pain, muscle pain, and headache lasting 2-7 days.
• Association with Other Conditions: Linked with Guillain-Barre syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis in adults and children.
  • Also, the interaction between Zika and dengue viruses significantly impacts disease severity.
  • Exposure to one can worsen the impact of the other, posing challenges in vaccine development and public health management.
• Complications: Infection during pregnancy causes congenital malformations, such as microcephaly and other associated conditions.

Note

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a serious autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. The syndrome affects the nerves responsible for muscle movement, pain, temperature, and touch sensations.

• Microcephaly is a birth defect in which babies are born with a smaller than usual head and underdeveloped brain

• Treatment and Prevention: No specific treatment available. Symptomatic relief and medical care advised for worsening conditions.
  • No vaccine available yet; prevention focused on mosquito bite protection, eliminating breeding sites, and public health initiatives to control mosquito populations.
• Related Indian Government Initiatives:
  • National Guidelines for Zika Virus Disease under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme
  • Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK): It aims to improve the quality of life of children and provide comprehensive care to all children in the community.
    • RBSK involves screening of children from birth to 18 years of age for four Ds:
      • Defects at birth
      • Deficiencies
      • Diseases
      • Development delays including disability

Other Viral Diseases

Covid-19 Dengue Nipah Ebola Yellow fever Hepatitis Japanese Encephalitis Marburg Virus

Measles and Rubella Influenza HIV Mpox Chickenpox West Nile Virus Polio Norovirus, Rotavirus and Astrovirus

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:

Prelims

Consider the following statements: (2017)

1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)