FACTS ABOUT ZIKA VIRUS.

An RNA virus of flaviviridae family and genus flavi virus.Transmission is through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.The mosquitoes are urban dwellers and aggressive day time feeders,feeding both in door and outdoor.The zika virus infection is an emerging mosquito borne illness,1st identified in Uganda in 1947. 1 in every 5 people infected with the zika virus become ill,and the common symptoms of zika are 1) fever 2)rash 3)joint pain 4)red eyes,while other signs include muscle pain and headache.The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to weeks. Pregnant women infected with the virus have babies with small brains,resulting in delayed development. The symptoms of the zika virus are similar to that of dengue and chikungunya. The zika virus remains in the blood of an infected person for 2-7 days but can be longer in some people. There are no vaccines or medication to prevent the zika virus infection,rather symptoms are treated symptomatically following these steps 1) get plenty of rest. 2) drink plenty of fluid to prevent dehydration and 3) use acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain. An infected mosquito can spread virus to other people.People living in areas with high mosquito population should protect themselves by using screened doors,windows ,insecticides and insect repellent. # stay safe # insecticides # treated nets

ZIKA VIRUS # PREGNANT WOMEN AND UNBORN BABIES.

Birth deformity linked to zika virus,thus pregnant women are advised to stay away from zones with outbreaks and those returning from such areas are advised to hold on before making babies.The adaptability of the Aedes aegypti to urban life coupled with global travelling make it a global threat. Be protected,use environmentally friendly insecticides and screened nets. Photo credit; C.D.C.

VECTOR CONTROL AND ZIKA VIRUS.

When the life cycle of the mosquito is understood, then specific interventions can be instituted to kill them.The elimination of stagnant water where some of the stages occur is very important,the spraying of drains with kerosene, cleaning and removing trash from environment will also prevent development of mosquito. The use of insecticides, treated nets and treated clothes are also important.Living quarters surrounded by large bodies of water must be screened to prevent mosquito bites. The Aedes egypti is the identified specie that transmits the zika virus,its also responsible for yellow fever,dengue and chikungunya. The simple protocol of cleaning your environment,removing water collecting containers,using insecticides, clearing drains ,using treated nets and also the use of insect repellent on skin in susceptible environment will keep you safe and free from mosquito bites. Photo credit; internet.

THE ZIKA THREAT AND THE GLOBAL VILLAGE.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness and it was first isolated from a Rhesus monkey in the Zika forest in Uganda in 1947. It was first identified in humans in 1957 in Uganda and in 1968, researchers found the virus in people in Nigeria and between 1951 and 1981,the virus found in people in Uganda,Tanzania,egypt,Sierra leone,Gabon e.t.c .The first outbreak outside of Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands only occurred in May 2015, when a case was reported in Brazil. Since then the disease has spread to 18 other countries in south and central America and the Caribbean. The symptoms of Zika include joint pain and a rash – scientists believe it is linked to microcephaly, or abnormally small brains, in newborns. As a result, authorities in Brazil, Colombia and El Salvador have advised women against becoming pregnant during the outbreak. Three travellers who returned to the UK from South and Central America have been diagnosed with the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne illness that has been linked to brain deformities in babies. The three people had presented with the virus after travelling to Colombia, Suriname and Guyana, all countries which are experiencing Zika outbreaks. Zika does not occur naturally in the UK ,but it can be transmitted only from the bite of a mosquito or, in rare cases through sexual transmission or by transmission from mother to foetus via the placenta.It does not spread directly from person to person. Mosquitoes transmitting the zika virus was only identified in tropical regions but recent research has shown adaptability to colder regions making it easy for spread of the infection.The Aedes aegypti is a day time feeder found predominantly in urban areas in close association with man,making humans the primary target.The best way to stop threat is to protect yourself from bites,avoid travelling to places with outbreaks, wear protective clothing in susceptible areas,use insecticides, screened doors/nets and sleep under treated nets. The war against ZIKA VIRUS is total destruction of mosquitoes, (irrespective of species),clean your environment, remove containers of stagnant water and pour kerosene in your drains/gutters .

THE ZIKA THREAT.

The Zika virus,transmitted by the bite of Aedes aegypti. The mosquito vectors breed in domestic water holding containers,living in urban areas and are aggressive day-time feeders,though they feed at any time.The virus can affect any age group but pregnant women are so vulnerable with dire consequences in their babies. The virus stays 2-7 days in the blood of an infected person,thus infected people should be protected from further mosquito bites to prevent spread to more people.The basic methods to prevent infection is to prevent mosquito bites.The Aedes aegypti is also responsible for yellow fever,has been known to adapt to cold climate thus the widespread nature of the infection. The Zika virus outbreak in Latin America could be a bigger threat to global health than the Ebola epidemic that killed more than 11,000 people in Africa, claims several senior health experts ahead of an emergency meeting of the World Health Organisation. Where they will decide whether the Zika threat – which is linked to an alarming rise in cases of foetal deformation called microcephaly – should be rated a global health crisis. Jeremy Farrar, head of the Wellcome Trust, said “In many ways the Zika outbreak is worse than the Ebola epidemic of 2014-15,” “Most virus carriers are symptom less and It is a silent infection in a group of highly vulnerable individuals ( pregnant women) – that is associated with a horrible outcome for their babies.” There is no prospect of a vaccine for Zika at present, in contrast to Ebola, for which several are now under trial. “The real problem is that trying to develop a vaccine that would have to be tested on pregnant women is a practical and ethical nightmare,” added Mike Turner, head of infection and immuno-biology at the Wellcome Trust. At least 80% of those infected show no symptoms ,making tracking the disease extremely difficult. The mosquito species that spreads Zika, Aedes aegypti, has been expanding its range over the past few decades. “It loves urban life and has spread across the entire tropical belt of the planet, and of course that belt is expanding as global warming takes effect,” added Farrar. The Zika threat, can be contained with the use of insecticides to eradicate Aedes aegypti , mosquito nets and bedding's and clearing environment of stagnant water.

HOW TO USE APPS TO CUT RISK OF RABIES .

Researchers are using the app to track free-roaming dogs that have been vaccinated against rabies.
Rabies could be eradicated from street dogs in India with the help of a new smartphone app, a study has shown.

Monitoring them in this way has enabled vets to vaccinate 70 per cent of the dog population in the City of Ranchi -which is the threshold needed to minimize the risk that the disease is passed to people.  Adopting the approach more widely could help to eliminate rabies from people and animals

RODENT CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF LASSA FEVER.

. Rats have been linked to the spread of a lot of disease ,some are fatal while others can be treated.The best way to stay safe is by rodent control.The health risk posed by rats affects man, poultry,dogs and some other animals. Diseases occur as a result of interaction between hosts, agent and environment.Rats are no different from all other carriers,in this sense hence environment influences the infection and risk/rate of exposure. Living in a dirty,unkempt environment increases the chances of infection and consequent spread of infection.Rats are know to thrive where there is food and water, and most rats can eat anything. Living in close quarters with dogs, poultry and horses increases risk of infection.Living in highly populated environment surrounded by filth also poses risk of infection.Rats find their way to food industry and food processing plants posing a risk of food contamination from source. Rats are everywhere causing diseases by contamination through urine,feces, hair,and feet. Rats basically transfer these disease agents by contamination of feed,food,water,toys and clothing.The best way to avoid any disease is by proper pest control and maintenance of clean environment.The following are steps to keeps rats out;1) Use of rat traps 2) keep houses/farms rodent proof; by removing unfinished food, cover bins and keep them far away from homes. 3) rat adhesive boards 4) baits 5)proper waste management. 6) rat-proof your doors,windows in farms,homes and factory. Rats cause food wastage resulting in economic losses,when a food is contaminated by urine or feces,throw away immediately. If you suspect your pets toy is contaminated with rat urine throw away,same with clothing or any other contaminated material. PIC CREDIT; INTERNET.