What you should know about this new virus
If you’re a normal person who listens to the news, you’ve most likely heard of the Zika virus. However, if you’re anything like me, you’ve most likely half-listened to what everyone has been saying. Most of the time I avoid listening to the bleak news, because I prefer not to be part of the pandemic of people being plagued by what they think they have. I have never been neurotic about the latest Caribbean mosquito born viruses; first there was Dengue, then there was Chikungunya and now it’s Zika. I wonder how many viruses can one set of mosquitoes really carry and why do all of the viruses sound as if they’re mean sisters?
Needless to say I was never serious about any of them. Then one day last week my nephew came home roaring from fever and had to stay at home the next day. When he woke the following day, his tongue had turned a dark shade of pink and developed a very white rash, closely resembling thrush. In addition to that his body was completely covered with tiny heat bumps. After Googling his symptoms, we came up with a diagnosis very similar to Zika. Everyone knows that checking your symptoms online is one of the surest ways to convince yourself that you’re dying and that it’s terminal, but because this was my four-year-old nephew and not my own ailment, my judgment was clouded.
In the end my sister took him to the emergency room on the French Side, since they have reportedly come in contact with the virus already. He was fine and only had a case of the measles, but the entire ordeal was a learning lesson. When there is an epidemic, people, myself included for that brief time, will panic and assume the worst in everything. While I cannot diagnose your situation, and I can’t stop you from going insane from worry, I can provide you with some sort of comfort in information. When you are informed it is more likely that you will be able to handle your condition with more care and understanding. Don’t be like me and wait until something seems threatening. Get the facts now and learn how to protect yourself.
What is Zika Virus?
Basically Zika is transferred through mosquito bites. If you are infected, you can pass along the virus to other people if you are bitten at the time of contamination. The type of mosquito that will bite you breeds in water, like all other mosquitoes. They are known for attacking during the day, but that does not make you immune to them at night. There is also a risk for pregnant mothers to transfer the virus to their babies. There are reports that blood transfusion recipients have got Zika through the blood. Sexual partners are also vulnerable.
How to tell if you have it
The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild, with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon and fatality cases are very low. However, because of the vague nature of Zika’s physical symptoms, it can look like a variety of other diseases and vice versa. These viruses include: leptospirosis, malaria, rickettsia, group A streptococcus, rubella, measles, parvovirus, enterovirus, adenovirus, and alphavirus infections (e.g., Chikungunya, Mayaro, Ross River, Barmah Forest, O’nyong-nyong, and Sindbis viruses). Therefore, you must be tested to confirm if you actually have Zika.
Zika and Pregnancy
Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. While we have not had many reports of Zika spreading on St. Maarten, we are still at risk of contracting it. Consult your doctor for recommendations if you are currently trying to get pregnant. Zika affects women during any trimester of pregnancy, so if you are pregnant, make sure to secure yourself from mosquitoes to avoid the disease.
Prevention
Using an insect repellent is safe and effective. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding can and should choose an EPA-registered insect repellent and use it according to the product label. Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers a majority of your body; think maxi dresses and harem pants. Maybe invest in mosquito netting for your bed. Make sure that there are no open containers of water where mosquitoes can breed; this is also a warning for people who have old tires and things lying around that can collect water. Try to keep yourself cool, as mosquitoes are commonly known to be attracted to warmer bodies. While the larger bug zappers make you feel safe, they are usually ineffective for mosquitoes, so a handheld zapper is suggested. There are also recipes for natural mosquito repellents online that can be made with objects you have in your home.
Treatment
No specific antiviral treatment is available for Zika virus disease. Get plenty of rest. Drink fluids to prevent dehydration. People with suspected Zika virus infections also should be evaluated and managed for possible Dengue or Chikungunya virus infection. Take medicines, such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain. Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen. Aspirin and NSAIDs should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of haemorrhage (bleeding). If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking additional medication. If you have Zika, avoid mosquito bites for the first week of your illness. During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites.
