Virus-english

Diseases + Mosquitoes

A while back to the present, have been spreading mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue, chikungunya and now the virus zika, but the reality is that society doesn't know what are these viruses, or its symptoms, and only when they are close to us we began to worry. So I want to present this information.

We know a little more about these viruses:

Dengue.

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by female mosquitoes mainly Aedes aegypti species and to a lesser degree of A. albopictus, which has spread rapidly in recent years.

An infected mosquito can transmit the pathogen throughout life. Infected people are the carriers and multipliers of the virus, and mosquitoes become infected by biting them.

When a person has dengue has a high fever (40 ° C) accompanied by: an intense headache, pain behind the eyeballs, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, enlarged lymph nodes or a rash. Symptoms occur after an incubation period of 4 to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito, and can last between 2 and 7 days.

 

There is no specific treatment for dengue and there is still no vaccine to protect against dengue. But there is great progress because, are being developed tetravalent three live attenuated vaccines, which are in phase II and phase III from clinical trials, and there are three other vaccine candidates in earlier stages of clinical research.

Currently the only method of controlling or preventing the transmission of dengue virus, is to combat mosquitoes.

Chikungunya.

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. It was discovered during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952. It is an RNA virus of the genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae. "Chikungunya" is a voice Kimakonde language meaning "bend", referring to the hunched appearance of patients because of joint pain.

This virus is transmitted from one person to another by the bite of female mosquitoes Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti infected, these two species can also transmit other viruses, including dengue.

The disease usually appears between 4 and 8 days after the bite of an infected mosquito, although the range can vary between 2 and 12 days.

It is characterized by the onset of fever, usually accompanied by joint pain, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain often very debilitating, but usually disappear within a few days.

Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may last several months or even years. Occasional cases have been reported with ocular, neurological and cardiac complications, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Treatment consists mainly of relieving symptoms, including joint pain, antipyretics, analgesics and fluids optimal. There is no vaccine against chikungunya virus.

As recommended use protective clothing to minimize skin exposure. You can also apply repellents to the skin or clothing, in strict compliance with the instructions for use of the product.

Sika.

Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes which was first identified in Uganda in 1947. Later, in 1952, it was identified in humans in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. There have been outbreaks of this virus disease in Africa, America, Asia and the Pacific.

It is transmitted to people through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

 
Symptoms include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint aches, malaise and headache; usually they last between 2 and 7 days.

National health authorities reported potential complications of neurological and autoimmune disease Zika virus. Now also they observed an increase of Guillain-Barre syndrome coinciding with an outbreak of disease Zika virus, as well as an increase in babies born with microcephaly.

Prevention and control depend on reducing the number of mosquitoes by reducing their sources and the reduction of contacts between mosquitoes and people.

To avoid bites should use insect repellents regularly, wear clothing (preferably light colored) covering full body, use physical barriers. It is also extremely important to empty, clean or cover containers that can collect water such as buckets, barrels, pots, etc. regularly Health officials may recommend spraying with insecticides.

The disease Zika virus is usually relatively mild and doesn't require specific treatment. Patients should be at rest, drink plenty of fluids and take common analgesics for pain. If symptoms worsen should consult a physician. There are no vaccines against Zika currently.     

If you want more information visit the WHO: http://www.who.int/en/