The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Zika Virus

  • China confirms first case of Zika virus

    China confirms first case of Zika virus

    China has confirmed its first case of the Zika virus in a man who had recently traveled to South America.

    Hong Kong’s Department of Health, said on Wednesday in a statement in Beijing that the infected Chinese man had travelled to Venezuela and displayed symptoms including a fever, headache and dizziness on Jan. 28.

    The statement said the man returned home on Feb. 5, via Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

    It disclosed that the infected man had been quarantined at a hospital in his hometown since Feb. 6, adding that he was recovering with normal body temperature and a fading rash.

    It added that the Hong Kong’s Port Health Office had stepped up inspections at the airport, in response and reinforced training for boundary control inspectors.

    It, however, said no cases of the virus in Hong Kong had been reported, so far.

    The statement said further that there was a risk that Zika virus could be spread locally if it was introduced to Hong Kong, because Aedes Albopictus mosquitoes, which transmit the virus, live there.

    Meanwhile, Ko Wing-man, Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health, told reporters that the bureau was seeking details of the man’s travel history, from the mainland authorities because he had transited through the city.

    He said the risk of contracting the virus through human contact was low, so the bureau was not worried about the spread of the illness in Hong Kong.

    Wing-man said even at that, the authorities were monitoring the situation closely.

    Zika has spread quickly in South and Central America and the Caribbean, with Brazil the worst affected country.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an international health emergency on Feb. 1 over the virus, citing concern over a possible link with a rise in cases of microcephaly.

    Microcephaly is a birth defect characterised by an abnormally small head that can result in developmental problems.

    Most infected people have no symptoms or mild ones including fever and skin rashes.

     

  • Fear of Zika virus

    SIR: Zika virus is sweeping the globe, and it’s coming for the babies! While Lassa fever is busy operating in West Africa, Zika is marching through Central and South America. The virus is linked to thousands of cases of microcephaly, a serious birth defect in which the baby’s brain is under-developed, leading to permanent developmental disability and other health problems. The crisis has generated panic in affected countries, such as El Salvador, where the government recently called on the entire population to avoid pregnancy for at least two years!

    From whence comes this plague? The virus was first isolated in April 1947 from a rhesus macaque monkey that had been placed in a cage in the Zika Forest (zika meaning “overgrown” in the Luganda language of Uganda), near Lake Victoria by the scientists of the Yellow Fever Research Institute. In 1968 it was isolated for the first time from humans in Nigeria. From 1951 through 1981, evidence of human infection was reported from other African countries such as the Central African Republic, Egypt, Gabon, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda, as well as in parts of Asia including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the

    Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. In April 2007, the first outbreak outside of Africa and Asia occurred on the island of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia.

    Since April 2015, a large, ongoing outbreak of Zika virus that began in Brazil has spread to Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Suriname, and Venezuela. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Brazilian health authorities reported more than 3,500 microcephaly cases between October 2015 and

    January 2016. Some of the affected infants have had a severe type of microcephaly and some have died. In the worst affected region of Brazil approximately one percent of newborns are suspected of microcephaly.

    Currently having no specific treatment or preventive vaccinations, the WellBeing Foundation Africa in her campaign has also recommended that preventive personal measures such as avoiding mosquito bites, and using mosquito repellents and insecticide-treated mosquito nets can offer a degree of protection against the disease. Apart from pregnant women and their babies, Zika virus can affect anyone who lives or travels to any area where the virus is found. Therefore to curtail transmission, travel alerts have been issued for pregnant women in any trimester, and women trying to become pregnant, who might be planning to travel to affected regions.

    Africa as a continent is yet to recover from the spread and effects of Ebola and Lassa fever; that is why she can’t afford the spread of another disease at a time like this. Prevention is better than cure therefore, Africa must beware of Zika Virus.

     

    • John Tosin Ajiboye,

    Lagos.

  • Zika outbreak: UN warns against laws restricting pregnancy

    Zika outbreak: UN warns against laws restricting pregnancy

    The United Nations (UN) has called for the repeal of laws and policies that restrict access to sexual and reproductive health services in contravention of international standards.

    The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Al Hussein, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in New York.

    The statement said that the UN position was in response to advice to women by some governments to delay getting pregnant due to the possible link between the rampaging Zika virus and neurological disorders affecting newborns.

    According to the statement, upholding women’s human rights was essential if the response to the Zika health emergency would be effective.

    “Clearly, managing the spread of Zika is a major challenge to governments in Latin America.

    “However, the advice of some governments to women to delay getting pregnant ignores the reality that many women and girls simply cannot exercise control over when they become pregnant.

    “The circumstance is made more difficult in environment where sexual violence is so common,’’ the statement said.

    The statement noted that “in situations where sexual violence is rampant and sexual and reproductive health services are unavailable, efforts to halt Zika crisis will not be enhanced by stopping women from getting pregnant’’.

    The statement stressed that, amid the continuing spread of the virus, authorities must ensure that their public health responses were pursued in conformity with human health-related rights obligations.

    “Upholding human rights is essential to an effective public health response.
    “This requires that governments ensure that women, men and adolescents have access to comprehensive and affordable quality sexual and reproductive health services and information, without discrimination.

    “Health services must be delivered in a way that ensures the woman’s informed consent, respect for her dignity and the guarantee of her privacy.

    “Laws and policies that restrict her access to these services must be urgently reviewed in line with human rights obligations in order to ensure the right to health for all in practice,’’ it stated.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a public health emergency on the spread of the virus.

    The Organisation had said that causative link between Zika and microcephaly – babies born with abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brain- and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a neurological condition), is still under investigation.

  • Brazil denies withholding Zika virus samples

    Brazilian Health Ministry on Friday denied withholding Zika virus samples, saying it was willing to share related samples and information with foreign institutions that hope to study the virus.

    Concerns over the Zika virus skyrocketed when a casual relationship between Zika infection during pregnancy and the birth defect microcephaly is strongly suspected, though not yet scientifically proven.

    The Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 and subsequently spread to parts of Asia.

    Brazil’s first case was recorded in the middle of last year, and the disease quickly spread across the country and to more than 20 nations in the region, the Caribbean and beyond, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare an international emergency.

    Representatives of the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have been conducting research on the Zika virus along with local experts in Brazil since the country reported Zika infection cases, according to the ministry.

    They also carried out fieldwork to investigate the Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rapid onset of muscle weakness caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system and its relation with the Zika virus.

    Brazil also saw a rise in Guillain-Barre syndrome among people previously infected with the Zika virus, the ministry said.

    Last week, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and her U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama, talked about jointly developing a vaccine against Zika.

    Representatives of major public health institutions of the two countries will meet later this month to discuss the issue, the report said.

  • How to protect expectant mothers, others from Zika virus

    Zika virus broke out in Brazil a few weeks ago. It has spread throughout the Americas and to some parts of Europe. There are fears that it may spread to Africa, where the virus was discovered in Uganda in 1947.  OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA writes on how to stay safe.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) is not keeping quiet on the face of the geographic spread of Zika virus from Brazil to virtually  all parts of the globe.

    WHO Director-General Mrs Margaret Chan has said scientific findings showed that people catch the virus when bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito – the same type of mosquito that spreads dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

    According to her, only female Aedes mosquitoes bite; they are intermittent feeders and prefer to bite more than one person. Once the female mosquito is fully fed, it needs to rest for three days before it lays eggs. The eggs can survive up to one year without water. Once water is available, and small quantities of standing water are sufficient, the eggs develop into larvae and then adult mosquitoes.

    Mrs. Chan said there was  no treatment at the moment because there is no vaccine available. “Zika Virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with Zika Virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice,” she said.

    According to the organisation, there are two types of Aedes mosquitoes capable of transmitting the the virus. In most cases, Zika spreads through the Aedes aegypti mosquito in tropical and subtropical regions. The Aedes aegypti mosquito does not survive in cooler climate temperatures.

    The Aedes albopictus mosquito can also transmit the virus. This mosquito can hibernate and survive in cooler temperature regions. The Aedes mosquito is a weak flyer; it cannot fly more than 400 meters. But it may inadvertently be transported by humans from one place to another (e.g. in the back of the car, plants). If it can survive the temperature of the destination, it may theoretically be capable of reproducing itself there and introduce Zika Virus to new areas.

    WHO said Zika Virus usually causes mild illness; with symptoms appearing a few days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people with the virus disease will get a slight fever and rashes. Others may also get conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, and feel tired. The symptoms usually finish in two to seven days.

    Health authorities are  investigating a potential link between Zika Virus in pregnant women and microcephaly in their babies. Until more is known, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take extra care to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

    Expectant mothers

    If you are pregnant and suspect that you may have Zika virus disease, consult your doctor for close monitoring during your pregnancy. If not, the baby when born may develop microcephaly.

    Microcephaly is a rare condition where a baby has an abnormally small head. This is due to abnormal brain development of the baby in the womb or during infancy. Babies and children with microcephaly often have challenges with their brain development as they grow older.

    Microcephaly can be caused by a variety of environmental and genetic factors such as Downs syndrome; exposure to drugs, alcohol or other toxins in the womb; and rubella infection during pregnancy.

    For most people diagnosed with Zika virus disease, diagnosis is based on their symptoms and recent history (e.g. mosquito bites, or travel to an area where Zika virus is known to be present). A laboratory can confirm the diagnosis by blood tests.

    What can you do to protect yourself?

    The best protection from Zika virus is preventing mosquito bites. Preventing mosquito bites will protect people from Zika virus, as well as other diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes such as dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

    This can be done by using insect repellent; wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows; and sleeping under mosquito nets. It is also important to empty, clean or cover containers that can hold even small amounts of water such as buckets, flower pots or tyres, so that places where mosquitoes can breed are removed.

    WHO advised that travellers should stay informed about Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases and consult their local health or travel authorities if they are concerned.

     

  • U.S has sexually transmitted Zika case

    A rare case of the Zika virus being transmitted through sex, not a mosquito bite, has been reported in the United States.

    A patient infected in Dallas, Texas, is likely to have been infected by sexual contact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) told the BBC.

    The person had not travelled to infected areas but their partner had returned from Venezuela.

    Zika is carried by mosquitoes and has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains.

    It is spreading through the Americas and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the disease linked to the virus a global public health emergency.

    The American Red Cross has meanwhile urged prospective blood donors returning from Zika-hit countries to wait at least 28 days before donating their blood.

    The “self-deferral” should apply to people returning from Mexico, the Caribbean or Central or South America during the past four weeks, the Red Cross said in a statement.

    Two cases of the Zika virus have been confirmed in Australia. Officials said the two Sydney residents had recently returned from the Caribbean.

    Zika has also been found in two unrelated cases in the Republic of Ireland, officials there said. A man and an older woman, who have both recovered, had a history of travelling to a Zika-affected country.

    Meanwhile, Brazil – the country worst hit by the outbreak – has revealed it is investigating 3,670 suspected cases of microcephaly in babies linked to the Zika virus.

  • WHO declares Zika virus as international emergency

    The World Health Organization on Monday declared the mosquito-borne Zika virus an international public health emergency due to its link to thousands of birth defects in Brazil.

    WHO Director-General, Margaret Chan , told journalists that coordinated international action was needed to improve detection and expedite work on a vaccine and better diagnostics for the disease, but said curbs on travel or trade were not necessary.

    Chan, whose agency was assailed as too slow in reacting to West Africa’s Ebola epidemic that killed more than 10,000 people in the past two years, cited “first and foremost the big concern about microcephaly,” the birth defect that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads and improperly developed brains.

    She noted that it was “strongly suspected but not yet scientifically proven” that Zika causes microcephaly, Reuters reported.

  • Zika virus: FG issues travel restriction to Latin America

    •Says no case of the virus in the country

    The Federal Government yesterday warned Nigerians against travelling to Latin America on account of the outbreak of Zika virus infection in the region.

    Pregnant women were particularly asked to steer clear of the region and the restriction will subsist until further notice.

    Health Minister Isaac Adewole, in issuing the travel advice, called for closer monitoring and screening at various ports of entry in the country, especially for those who visited Latin America recently.

    Adewole directed the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to include Zika virus diagnosis as part of ongoing effort to manage Lassa fever outbreak in the country.

    He assured Nigerians that there is no single case of Zika virus infection in the country and there is no need for Nigerians to panic, stressing that the Federal Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation and update Nigerians on further development.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the disease has spread to about 23 countries in the Americas, especially Latin America.

    There is no cure or vaccine yet for Zika virus infection.

    It was discovered in Brazil in 2014.

    The virus is transmitted by a bite of mosquito vector.

    The manifestation of Zika virus infection include mild fever, rash (mostly maculo-papular), headaches, joint pain (arthralgia), muscle pain (myalgia), loss of weight (asthenia), and non-purulent conjunctivitis.

    The virus is also associated with higher risk of congenital malformations in newborn when pregnant women are affected. The diseases usually occurs between three to twelve days after the mosquito vector bite.

  • Zika virus: FG issues travel restirction to Latin America

    Zika virus: FG issues travel restirction to Latin America

    * Says No case of the virus in the country

    The Federal Government has issued a travel restriction to Latin America following the outbreak of Zika virus infection in the region.

    The travel restriction, especially by pregnant women will be on until situation improves, the government stated.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised a global alert because the disease has affected about 23 countries in Americas especially in Latin America.

    At the moment, there is no cure or vaccine for Zika virus infection.

    Zika virus infection was first discovered in Brazil in 2014. The virus is transmitted by a bite of mosquito vector.

    The manifestation of Zika virus infection include: mild fever, rash (mostly maculo-papular), headaches, joint pain (arthralgia), muscle pain (myalgia), loss of weight (asthenia), and non-purulent conjunctivitis.

    The virus is also associated with higher risk of congenital malformations in newborn when pregnant women are affected. The diseases usually occur about three (3) to twelve (12) days after the mosquito vector bite.

    Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole who announced the travel advice, also called for closer monitoring and screening at various ports of entry, especially with recent travel history to Latin America.

    According to a press statement signed by Mrs. Boade Akinola, Director, Media and Public Relations, Ministry of Health, Prof. Adewole also directed Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to include Zika virus diagnosis as part of ongoing effort to manage Lassa fever outbreak in the country.

    The  minister further assured Nigerian that there is no single case of Zika virus infection in the country and there is no need to panic, stressing that the Federal Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation and update Nigerians of any other developments.

  • WHO convenes emergency meeting on Zika virus

    WHO convenes emergency meeting on Zika virus

    The World Health Organisation said it had convened a meeting of an expert committee to determine if the Zika virus outbreak in the Americas constitutes a global health emergency.

    WHO Chief, Margaret Chan, said on Thursday, during an interaction with member state representatives in Geneva, that the level of alarm was extremely high.

    She said the meeting had become necessary because the disease, which has been tentatively linked to a spike in babies born with malformed heads in Brazil, has spread to 23 countries and territories in the Americas.