Do you now Dengue and Zika causes by the same vector? 

Among dengue strike, be cautious as the same vector causes zika

The cases of dengue is alarming across state, but no mechanism to find zika case

Gargi Raval

gaargi.raval@gmail.com

Ahmedabad: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Zika virus is transmitted by female Aedes Mosquitoes. The primary species vector of Zika virus worldwide is Aedes aegypti which is responsible for the outbreak of zika in India. Coincidently, it is the same vector which also causes Dengue and Yellow fever.

Dengue cases are on spike after sporadic rains across the state, and within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation limits, six confirmed deaths have been reported in last two months.

Since September onward more than 2500 cases have been registered with the state health department in Gujarat, but not a single case of Zike. There is a presence of Zika virus and first ever confirmed case of Zika in India was from Ahmedabad. Now, a question raise how does one know if she/he infected by Zika?

According the in-charge medical officer of health of AMC, Dr Bhavin Solanki, “The erratic rains this year gave conducive weather for the mosquitoes to thrive in. Aedes aegypti which are the vector carries dengue, zika and yellow fever breeds in the fresh water. Spike in dengue recently is due to the rains, continuance of rains during Navratri was something unusual.”

He further said that it will take a week or more to get respite from the increasing number of cases. While asking, about zika cases, he said blood samples of all the diagnosed fever cases reported in the Asarva Civil Hospital are sent to National Institute of Virology, Pune.

Surprisingly, the state or the local authority is not screening for the Zika despite the fact sting of the same vector of dengue causes zika.

Symptoms of Zika

The Zika virus disease is usually mild and requires no specific treatment. The most common symptoms are mild fever, skin rash, headache, muscle and joint pain and inflammation of the underside of the eyelid. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice.

Meet Your Mosquito

·         The Aedes mosquito causes dengue, yellow fever and zika, and has white markings on its legs. It bites during the day·

Sting of the Anopheles mosquito causes malaria and falciparum. It likes to bite between 5.30 pm to 9.30 pm, and leaves redness and welts