The zika virus: A new threat to human health
What is the zika virus ?
As other arboviruses (viruses of various families transmitted by blood-sucking arthropods (mosquitoes, ticks and sand flies)),like the dengue and chikungunya viruses, zika appeared several years ago. Two epidemics in the Pacific were recently revealed to the world: the first in Micronesia in 2007, and a second, very significant one with 55,000 patients in Polynesia at the end of 2013. A retrospective study on the dengue and chikungunya epidemic that occurred in Libreville, Gabon in 2007 has just shown that zika was also present then. This is the first time that a zika fever epidemic has been found in Africa, where it originated, and also in an urban setting. These studies also show the responsible factor: the tiger mosquito, already known to be the vector for two other arboviruses in Gabon. Knowing the global spread of this insect, these results present a new potential threat to human health around the world.
The researchers also re-analysed the mosquitoes captured in 2007. These studies attested to the first known presence of zika in Aedes albopictus , better known as the tiger mosquito. Thus, this insect, known to be the vector of dengue and chikungunya, also carries the zika virus. It is the predominant species in Libreville, where it represents more than 55% of the mosquitoes collected. The tiger mosquito prospers in small bodies of standing water such as in broken bottles, tins, flowerpots, abandoned used tires, etc.
Originally from Asia, the tiger mosquito was introduced to Africa in 1991 and detected in Gabon in 2007, where its arrival undoubtedly contributed to the emergence of dengue, chikungunya, and as shown by this new study, zika. The rapid geographic expansion of this invasive species in Africa, Europe, and America allows for a risk of propagation of zika fever around the world, including in the south of France.
What might be the potential complications of Zika virus?
Because no large outbreaks of Zika virus were recorded before 2007, little is currently known about the complications of the disease.
During the first outbreak of Zika from 2013 - 2014 in French Polynesia, which also coincided with an ongoing outbreak of dengue, national health authorities reported an unusual increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome. Retrospective investigations into this effect are ongoing, including the potential role of Zika virus and other possible factors. A similar observation of increased Guillain-Barré syndrome was also made in 2015 in the context of the first Zika virus outbreak in Brazil.
In 2015, local health authorities in Brazil also observed an increase in babies born with microcephaly at the same time of an outbreak of Zika virus. Health authorities and agencies are now investigating the potential connection between microcephaly and Zika virus, in addition to other possible causes. However more investigation and research is needed before we will be able to better understand any possible link.
How can we treat Zika virus disease?
So far, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Zika virus, and no vaccine or drug could prevent Zika virus infection.
The symptoms of Zika virus disease can be treated with common pain and fever medicines, rest and plenty of water. If symptoms worsen, people should seek medical advice.
To help countries prepare for and respond to Zika, WHO is working with ministries of health to improve laboratory capacity to detect the virus, providing recommendations for clinical care and follow-up of infected patients (in collaboration with national professional associations and experts), and encouraging monitoring and reporting on the virus’s spread and the emergence of complications.
WHO is also coordinating with countries that have reported outbreaks of Zika virus and other partners to investigate the potential relationships between Zika and microcephaly and other issues.
References
Grard G., Caron M., Mombo I. M., Nkoghe D., Ondo S. M., Jiolle Davy, Fontenille Didier, Paupy Christophe, Leroy Eric. Zika virus in Gabon (Central Africa) - 2007: a new threat from Aedes albopictus . Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases , 2014, 8 (2), art. e2681 [6 p.] ISSN 1935-2735doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0002681
Concepteur Méthode de Bien-être antistress -Efficacité et Performance chez WILL I AM SYSTEM (WIAS)
8yThank you !
Técnico de Microscopía Electrónica de barrido y transmisión
8yGreat article
Senior Contributor at Liberty Island Magazine, a science fiction, fantasy and horror publication
8ySolutions to this: 1. Admit that "Silent Spring" was a fraud, brought on by the author's effort to blame modern chemicals for her breast cancer - then start spraying DDT to wipe out the mosquitos throughout the affected areas. 2. Stop all immigration from affected areas without testing for the virus to prevent it spreading to new areas. This also requires shutting down all illegal immigration, since they are carrying diseases like TB and Chagas as well. Your desire for a better life does not come with the right to put the health and safety of other nations at risk. 3. Test everyone traveling to and from restricted areas and quarantine suspected cases. Your right to convenient travel ends where health and safety begin.