It’s not always Malaria; a detailed guide about the Zika Virus

Suppose someone catches a fever, headache, or a rash after hanging out in the woods. In that case, the first amateur diagnosis is Malaria, as the probability of being bit by a mosquito is high. However, it isn’t Malaria always.

Dengue and Malaria are the most prevalent diseases caused by a mosquito. Still, there’s a lesser-known condition induced due to being bitten by a mosquito, and it is known as the Zika Virus.

What is the Zika Virus?

Just like Malaria is caused when bitten by a female mosquito belonging to the Anopheles genus, an Aedes mosquito bite causes the Zika Virus.

The symptoms of the virus are similar to that of Malaria. Therefore, it is hard to distinguish between the two without lab reports. The incubation period is usually 2–6 days, and some people do not show symptoms at all.

Luckily, there’s a bright side to the Zika virus; it is not fatal, which means you cannot die from it, unlike Malaria, in which the lethality rate is relatively high.

How is the Zika Virus transmitted?

The general notion is that viruses are contagious and can be transmitted from one person to another. This fact holds the truth, but the Zika virus cannot be passed to one another unless the mosquito has bitten you. It is highly unlikely for someone to get the virus by being in close proximity with the patient. 

Treatment; the dos and don’ts:

No such treatment is available for the disease except for the use of over-the-counter pain relief medicine or analgesics for the fever.

Pain killers are almost a necessity as they help cope with symptoms associated with numerous diseases. Thus, signing up for a 90-Day-Meds supply program is the feasible choice as it ensures a handful of supplies of the most in-demand medicine.

Research studies have concluded that taking specific medicines such as ibuprofen and aspirin can thin out the blood, escalating the condition. So, unless the doctor has ruled out the possibilities for dengue and Malaria, do your best to avoid these medicines.

Complications associated with Zika Virus:

Even though the Zika virus is not fatal to humans, there are few complications it can cause. If a pregnant woman contracts the virus after being bit by an Aedes mosquito, the baby is at the risk of microcephaly. Likewise, there’s a connection between the Zika virus and Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Conclusion:

There’s not much one can do to prevent themselves from being bitten by a mosquito. The best preventive measure is to use a mosquito-repellant regularly with dedication, especially when going out.

Because of the similarities between Dengue, Malaria, and Zika virus, it can be challenging to deliver a diagnosis without lab reports. Therefore, doctors recommend a blood or urine test to confirm.

The condition can be cured and is likely to last 14 days maximum. The patient must be provided with extensive care to help them recover properly. Avoid self-medication and immediately contact a doctor if you see any symptoms.