Zika virus infection, how to treat?

This is an automatically translated article.

Zika virus not only causes microcephaly in babies, but also has been linked to many other dangerous complications such as Guillain-Barre neurological syndrome, memory loss or infertility in men. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika. Therefore, each person needs to actively prevent Zika by preventing the risk of mosquito bites.

1. A brief overview of the Zika virus

Zika virus is a virus that is transmitted from the Aedes mosquito to humans through a bite. This is also the type of mosquito that transmits dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever.
Zika virus usually causes mild illness, symptoms appear a few days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people infected with the Zika virus will develop a low-grade fever and rash. Some other cases have conjunctivitis , muscle and joint pain, feel tired. Symptoms usually go away after 2-7 days.
Potential complications of Zika virus include microcephaly in newborns (in the case of pregnant mothers infected with Zika virus), increased Guillain-Barre syndrome, impaired memory and even infertility. born in men.

2. Treatment when infected with Zika virus

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease and no specific drug to treat Zika disease in Vietnam as well as in the world. Because the symptoms of the disease are relatively mild and the disease can go away on its own, it is usually only supportive medicine, adequate hydration, and more rest. Patients with fever and pain can use Acetaminophen or Paracetamol to reduce fever and pain. Patients should not take aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) until they can rule out dengue fever to reduce the risk of bleeding. When symptoms are more severe, it is necessary to go to reputable medical facilities for Zika virus care and treatment.

3. How to prevent Zika disease?

Zika virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, so the best way to reduce the risk of disease is to prevent mosquito bites and prevent mosquito breeding. Specifically:
3.1 Preventing mosquito bites When going outside in mosquito areas:
Use mosquito repellent: EPA-approved mosquito repellents containing DEET, Lemongrass essential oil, Picaridin or IR3535. When using mosquito repellent, read the instructions on the product label carefully to know how long it is effective; If using a mosquito repellent containing DEET, do not use a concentration of more than 30% DEET. Apply DEET only to open skin and clothing, not to eyes, mouth or open wounds, not to under clothing; Do not let children apply mosquito repellent on their own. Do not apply to children's eyes, mouth, or hands, and use caution around the ears. Do not apply DEET mosquito repellent on babies (can use mosquito nets) and do not use citronella essential oil on children under 3 years old; Protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirt, long pants and socks should be worn to prevent mosquito bites; Use air conditioners or screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out. If necessary, use a mosquito net when going to bed. 3.2 Prevention of mosquito breeding Mosquitoes should be killed by using mosquito nets, spraying insecticides and actively coordinating with the health sector in spraying chemicals to prevent and control epidemics. To prevent mosquito breeding, it is important to empty any stagnant water in objects at least once a week because mosquitoes need water to breed. Specifically:
Containers: Should be turned upside down or covered with vases, buckets, trash cans, ... when not in use; Water trough: Remove fallen leaves or other debris that can clog gutters or trap water; Pool: Cover or drain the pool water when not in use. Make sure to remove fallen leaves and water from the pool covers, and regularly treat the water in the pool; Old car tires: Cover or throw away as this is a favorite breeding ground for mosquitoes.

4. Some important notes in preventing Zika virus

4.1 Notes for travel in epidemic areas Women planning to become pregnant should not travel to epidemic areas unless absolutely necessary. In case of having to go to an epidemic area, it is necessary to carefully learn relevant information about the disease, medical care conditions, and apply measures to prevent mosquito bites to avoid the risk of Zika virus transmission; Pregnant women, especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy, living in or have been to an endemic area, have symptoms of fever or rash, have at least one of the symptoms such as conjunctivitis, muscle aches , joints, ... need to go to a medical facility to be examined and consulted; People going to, going to or returning from Zika-affected areas should actively monitor their health for 12 days. If there are symptoms of illness, it is necessary to go to a medical facility to proactively declare travel history and be examined, consulted and treated; People living in Zika-affected areas or going to, from, or returning from epidemic areas should actively monitor their health. If they have symptoms, they should go to a medical facility for examination and treatment. At the same time, condoms should be used when having sex or not having sex for at least 28 days to prevent sexual transmission of Zika virus; Couples living in or returning from an epidemic area, if they intend to become pregnant, need to visit a medical facility for examination and consultation before deciding to become pregnant. 4.2 Cases that need testing for Zika virus People who have signs of fever or rash and have at least 1 of the symptoms such as conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, need to seek medical attention. definite diagnosis of disease; People should not self-test for Zika virus without consulting medical staff; Women who are pregnant in the first 3 months, have been to or live in an epidemic area, if they have symptoms of fever or rash and have at least 1 of the additional symptoms such as conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, they should get tested for Zika virus; Pregnant women in the first 3 months of pregnancy with a husband or sexual partner who have tested positive for Zika virus if signs of fever or rash, at least one of the symptoms such as muscle pain, joint pain, or conjunctivitis should be considered. Get tested for Zika virus. Proactively preventing, detecting and treating Zika disease according to guidelines will help minimize the risk of facing dangerous complications of this disease.

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Article referenced source: Ministry of Health