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Staying Safe from Zika Virus - Prevention and Insurance

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Published on August 18, 2021. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Contrary to their size, mosquitoes can cause large and deadly epidemics. There are several prevalent diseases with severe affectations that can be traced to the mosquitoes as their carriers. These are also referred to as Vector-Borne Diseases. Among the many such prevalent diseases, through this blog, we shall focus on the Zika Virus and related information. Through this discourse, it shall also be abundantly clear how general prevention and expense management through robust health insurance plans are the best ways of dealing with this form of infection. 

What is Zika Virus?

The Zika virus was first discovered in the African continent around 70 years ago. Ever since, there have been sporadic and locally contained occurrences several times, largely in and around the African and Asian continents. But, since the late 2000s mass localised cases started being reported bringing this disease in the forefront of concerns from global health organisations. In fact, there was some scary news coming from India as well when cases were detected. The Zika virus is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which typically bite during the day. This disease is most common in areas where the tropical weather and general environmental hygiene are suitable for the breeding of these mosquitoes.

What are the Symptoms?

One of the unique aspects of the Zika virus disease is that most infected people do not develop any specific symptoms. However, in others, some of the common symptoms include rashes on the body, mild fever, muscular and joint pains, and headache which may last for 2 days to 1 week. The lack of symptoms or the generic nature of them can make the proper detection and diagnosis rather difficult.

How to get tested for Zika Virus?

Getting tested becomes imperative if you have recently travelled to a country which had a reported outbreak, especially in the case of pregnant women. These Zika red zones are mentioned in most governmental healthcare sites. People who exhibit the above-mentioned symptoms may also seek to get themselves tested. Since, presently, there are no diagnostic kits commercially available for testing of Zika virus in India, testing will need to be done in authorised centres or laboratories. The list of such institutes can be searched online.

Why is Zika virus infection concerning?

Zika virus infection is extremely concerning since it has the unique feature of being transmitted from pregnant women to their foetuses leading to several congenital complications and even termination of the pregnancy, in extreme cases. Another way of getting infected is through sexual transmission. These modes of infection, combined with the fact that almost 75% of the patients do not display any symptoms can make this disease go undetected till it is too late. In fact, the symptoms exhibited can easily be mistaken for malaria or chikungunya thus rendering it difficult for the right treatment to be administered.

Is there a treatment?

Unfortunately, at present, there is no vaccine or specific medicine for Zika virus. The focus is on treating the symptoms and alleviating the pain and associated fevers. Combination of rest, painkillers and re-hydrating agents is the usual form of treatment. Accurate diagnosis is very important, to avoid the risk of incorrect medication.

How do you prevent Zika virus?

Like any disease, prevention is certainly better than the cure. Staying clear of mosquito infected areas, usage of insect repellants on skin and mosquito coils or vaporisers at home are highly advised. Follow the appropriate environmental management guidelines to ensure mosquito free vicinity and avoid stagnation of water or garbage to pile up. Due diligence before travelling to countries with known cases and protected sex are also important preventive techniques.

Conclusion

It must be clear by now, that this disease is dangerous due to the lack of availability of any vaccine or specific medicine. Since there are no symptoms or very generic ones, the diagnosis can either be missed or get false-positives for other similar diseases like dengue or malaria, which can inadvertently lead to incorrect medication, thereby further complicating the situation. This infection can be disastrous in the cases of pregnant women. The usual medical treatment advised is a combination of painkillers and rest, also hospitalization for severe cases which can lead to uncontrollable hospital expenses. It is strongly recommended to explore and purchase health insurance plans which will provide cover for these types of unforeseen expenses thus ensuring the best care for you and your family.

Disclaimer:  The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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