What's up with the Zika Virus!

If you are keeping abreast with the world news you might have heard about a mosquito - borne virus known as the Zika virus shortened to zik-v that is wreaking havoc in some countries around the world more concentrated primarily in the Western Hemisphere as of late. You may know about the virus but here are a few tips about the virus and how to decrease the chances of it infecting the entire population.
First I'm going to tell a little about the Zika virus:

• Zika virus is a mosquito - borne flavivirus
• It is primarily transmitted by the aedes mosquito 
• People infected with the Zika virus may have symptoms including mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last from 2 - 7 days.
• Aedes mosquito usually bites during the day peaking during the early morning and late afternoon/evening.

Secondly I'll tell you a few tips on how to avoid being infected.

Protection against mosquito bites is a key measure to prevent Zika virus infection. This can be achieved by doing a number of things such as wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as window screens or closing doors and windows; sleeping under mosquito nets; and using insect repellent containing DEET, IR3535 or icaridin according to the product label instructions. 

Special care, attention and help should be given to those who may not be able to protect themselves adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly. Travellers and those living in affected areas should take the basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

It is important to cover, empty or clean potential mosquito breeding sites in and around houses such as buckets, drums, pots, gutters, and used tyres. Communities should support local government efforts to reduce mosquitoes in their locality. Health authorities may also advise that spraying of insecticides be carried out.

So that's all I have to say for now about the Zika virus thanks for reading. Expect more about the Zika virus in posts later on.