Daily Current Affairs : 4-November-2023

Recently, five villages in Karnataka have been placed under surveillance following an outbreak of the Zika virus. This alarming development has raised concerns about the spread of this infectious disease. To comprehend the gravity of the situation, it is essential to understand the Zika virus, its transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and the steps taken by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat it.

Understanding the Zika Virus

Transmission:

  • The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by infected mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
  • Apart from mosquito bites, the virus can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and organ transplantation.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:

  • Most infected individuals do not display symptoms, but those who do experience mild conditions such as rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headaches.
  • Diagnosis requires laboratory tests to differentiate Zika virus from related flaviviruses like dengue.
Prevention and Treatment
  • Currently, there is no specific treatment for Zika virus infection. Management focuses on alleviating symptoms with rest, fluids, and appropriate medication.
  • Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellents, and eliminating breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes.
WHO’s Response
  • In February 2016, the WHO declared Zika-related microcephaly a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), recognizing its potential impact on newborns.
  • WHO’s efforts included extensive research, awareness campaigns, and mosquito control programs to curb the virus’s spread.
  • The PHEIC designation was lifted in November 2016, signifying the progress made in understanding and managing the Zika virus.
Important Points:
  • Transmission:
    • Zika virus is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, found in tropical and subtropical regions.
    • Other transmission methods include mother-to-fetus during pregnancy, sexual contact, blood transfusion, and organ transplantation.
  • Symptoms and Diagnosis:
    • Most infected individuals do not show symptoms.
    • Symptoms, if present, include rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headaches.
    • Diagnosis requires laboratory tests to differentiate Zika virus from related flaviviruses like dengue.
  • Prevention and Treatment:
    • There is no specific treatment for Zika virus; management focuses on symptom relief through rest, fluids, and appropriate medication.
    • Prevention measures include wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellents, and eliminating Aedes mosquito breeding sites.
  • WHO’s Response:
    • In February 2016, WHO declared Zika-related microcephaly a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
    • WHO conducted extensive research, awareness campaigns, and mosquito control programs to curb the virus’s spread.
    • The PHEIC designation was lifted in November 2016, signifying progress in understanding and managing the Zika virus.
Why In News

Five Karnataka villages come under surveillance after Zika virus outbreak, raising concerns among health authorities about the potential spread of the disease to neighboring regions.

MCQs about Zika Virus

  1. What is the primary mode of transmission for the Zika virus?
    A. Through contaminated food and water
    B. Airborne transmission
    C. Infected Aedes mosquitoes
    D. Mother-to-child transmission during breastfeeding
    Correct Answer: C. Infected Aedes mosquitoes
    Explanation: The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by infected mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti.
  2. Which organization declared Zika-related microcephaly a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in 2016?
    A. United Nations
    B. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    C. World Health Organization (WHO)
    D. International Red Cross
    Correct Answer: C. World Health Organization (WHO)
    Explanation: WHO declared Zika-related microcephaly a PHEIC in February 2016, indicating its international significance.
  3. What is the recommended approach for managing Zika virus symptoms in infected individuals?
    A. Antibiotic treatment
    B. Intravenous fluids and bed rest
    C. Specific antiviral medication
    D. Rest, fluids, and appropriate medication for symptom relief
    Correct Answer: D. Rest, fluids, and appropriate medication for symptom relief
    Explanation: There is no specific antiviral treatment for Zika virus; management focuses on alleviating symptoms through rest, fluids, and appropriate medication.
  4. Apart from mosquito bites, how else can Zika virus be transmitted?
    A. Sharing utensils and personal items
    B. Mother-to-fetus during pregnancy, sexual contact, blood transfusion, and organ transplantation
    C. Through the air by coughing and sneezing
    D. Contaminated swimming pools
    Correct Answer: B. Mother-to-fetus during pregnancy, sexual contact, blood transfusion, and organ transplantation
    Explanation: Zika virus can be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and organ transplantation, in addition to mosquito bites.

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