Cover image via attn.comMalaysians haven't yet developed an immunity to Zika virus. Which makes it likely that it could spread very quickly among Malaysians, the Health Ministry's Deputy Health DG Dr Lokman Halim Sulaiman has warned, saying that the deadly disease could spread here because of the high presence of Aedes mosquitoes in the country.
What's worse is that there's no quick "point of care test" available.
The Heath Ministry viewed the matter seriously because the virus has been associated with microcephaly, a birth defect where infants are born with underdeveloped heads.
Also, Dr Lokman stressed that it is difficult to stop the spread of the virus to Malaysia due to its mild symptoms, difficulty in tracing infected people and also because there was also no quick "point of care test" available. Moreover, there is currently no vaccine available for the virus and only the symptoms of the virus can be treated.
In light of which, all visitors to the country – especially those from South and Central America and Malaysians returning from infected areas – who exhibit fever and spots to report themselves to the Quarantine Health Centre or the nearest Health Department as soon as they arrive in Malaysia.
The deadly Zika virus is transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, also known as the Asian tiger mosquitoes. They are found all over the world except Canada and Chile. However, now that Malaysians have been warned about its spread, we are going to look at some of the most vital, and vexing, questions about Zika.
The Zika virus was discovered in a small Ugandan forest nearly 70 years ago.
Image via Rod Waddington/Flickr
1. First things first, what is Zika virus?
Image via WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION – PAHO.ORG
2. Deaths are rare in Zika and only one in five people infected is thought to develop symptoms. So What are these symptoms?
**1.** Mild fever
**2.** Conjunctivitis (red, sore eyes)
**3.** Headache
**4.** Joint pain
**5.** A rash
3. And where did Zika come from?
Image via BBC
Image via BBC
4. How does it spread?
Image via BBC
5. Does it spread only through mosquitoes?
Image via BBC
6. What drugs are available against Zika?
7. So is there a vaccine for Zika?
8. And when can we expect a vaccine?
9. So no drug, no vaccine. But is there a test to diagnose it?
10. Then what can people do to stop the spread of the virus?
Image via BBC
Furthermore, here are more tips for avoiding Zika:
11. What to do if you have symptoms of Zika?
**1.** Get plenty of rest.
**2.** Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
**3.** Take medicine such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain.
**4.** Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
12. What if a pregnant woman may have been exposed to Zika?
13. Could mothers receive a blood transfusion to prevent Zika?
A woman in Recife, Brazil, holds an infant sick with a Zika virus infection. The virus usually causes mild symptoms in adults but is more serious in young people, and it is suspected of causing serious birth defects.
Image via MARIO TAMA/GETTY IMAGES
