History of Zika virus in Nigeria. Are we in safe?

Zika virus in Nigeria has attracted the attention of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control. This virus has been shaking the world for decades. Enough attention was not being paid to the situation until things worsened. Experts believe that state authorities must take decisive action to prevent the spread of the disease in Nigeria.

This terrible epidemic swept through Brazil in June 2015. At first, the harmful pathogen did not cause significant worry. However, due to the worsening of the situation, the whole world began to have cause to be concerned..

In February 2016, members of the WHO (World Health Organization) declared an international alarm, seeking to find urgent ways to treat the Zika virus.

For a very long time to Nigerians, this problem seemed alien. We believed that it was only suffered by Asians and Americans. But as it turns out, Nigerians and the citizens of other African states should exercise increased vigilance. The fact is that the Aedes mosquito, the distributor of this disease, is present in our country. It exists in a lot places, where people are already battling malaria. This insect also carries many other tropical diseases. It has a black color and white spots. The average length of its wings can be from 1.6 to 3.8 millimeters.

Representatives of the Nigerian Center for Disease Control said that, at the moment, Zika fever is affecting a number of people across the country. It's frightening that there were no periodic checks, and doctors still do not understand the nature of the virus and how to deal with it.

Zika virus in Nigeria

In 1947, the infection was detected in monkeys in Uganda, a state in East Africa. In this region, as with Nigeria, there are many Aedes mosquitoes. Studies in Nigeria have been conducted since 1954. The first case of the disease was recorded in 1960.

Between 1975-1979, it was revealed that 40% of adults and 25% of children in Nigeria had immunity against Zika disease, so they were protected from it.

Despite the long history, the world community did not take Zika seriously. Its outbreaks were episodic and we never saw it in the colossal scale that we see in recent years. It was believed that sick people were not fatally affected, so there is no special reason for panic.

However, the situation in Asia and America dramatically changed the views of mankind about the virus. It was noticed that when a pregnant woman has the disease, the baby ends up having a strange appearance and deformities.

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Clinical symptoms of Zika virus include:

• minor headaches;
• general malaise;
• itching rash on the skin (first it appears on the face and then spreads all over the body);
• fever;
• pain in muscles and joints with possible edema of small joints;
• hyperemia and inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis);
• pain in the eye area;
• intolerance to bright light.

If you notice these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor who will determine whether this is really Zika and will prescribe the right treatment. Of course, some people who did not got to a doctor might not die from the Zika illness, but this does not make it safe. Do not hope that situation will improve by itself as it could even worsen the longer you wait.

If a pregnant woman catches this disease and the Zika virus affects the child, developmental defects often appear, including microcephaly where the child is born with a reduced mass of the brain and a reduced skull. This state is accompanied by a child's retardation in mental development.

In adults, after the infection, single cases of the development of the Guillain-Barré syndrome were discovered, which is a formation of an autoimmune process with muscular weakness (myasthenia gravis). Usually, the manifestations of this syndrome disappear independently without residual effects.

At the moment, there are not enough diagnostic tests, and this situation should be corrected urgently. Such shortcomings will prevent timely detection and treatment of the dangerous disease spreading through the country. All states, in which the Aedes mosquitoes are present, are high risk. Given that people travel, the infection zone can expand.

Members of the NCDC state that they will conduct comprehensive inspections to track the epidemiological situation and take measures to improve it. The experience of Brazil and neighboring countries should be enough to make us afraid for an aggravated situation in our country. In America, the virus struck 3 million citizens. In Brazil, thousands of infants born with defects are recorded.

It is extremely important for authorities to deal with the problem early and not wait until it reaches its peak. They should make use of all sorts of preventive measures. If serious measures are taken, Nigerians will feel safer. It is better to learn from other people's mistakes than to stay idle until the virus creates a critical situation.

Preventive measures

To avoid getting bitten it is recommended not to leave water open in your home. Insects love this and can fly to your home for a drink. Also, use special protective nets, which has double benefits: protecting against Zika and malaria. If you notice this mosquito near you, you need to fall quickly to the floor to prevent a bite. Basically, these insects are more active in the early mornings and afternoons. There are special chemical that can be purchased that scare them away.

Remember that the virus is transmitted through an intimate connection. It is necessary not to get too close to unfamiliar people because you can't really tell whether or not they are sick. It is also important to avoid casual intimacy as this will not only keep you from catching Zika but also protect you from many venereal diseases. In such matters, prevention is better than cure. Stay with a reliable partner or use contraceptives.

Nigerians should remain calm, be attentive and report suspected cases of infection to the nearest medical facility. Avoid traveling to countries where the Zika disease is common. Wear trousers and sweaters with long sleeves when you can.

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