What is known and what remains to know about the relationship between zika viruses and microcephaly

01.12.2015

This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.

 

 

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Brazilian government confirmed relationship between fever caused by viruses and malformation outbreak in the brain of infants; disease can be confused with dengue

The zika fever is an acute viral disease mainly transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti

The Brazil faces a zika epidemic, a disease "prima dengue", from the middle of the year. The disease also transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, causes similar symptoms, but less severe than those of dengue fever, headache and body and reddish spots.

Last weekend, the Brazilian government has confirmed the relationship between the virus and zika microcephaly, an infection that causes malformation of the brain of infants.

The Northeast is the region most affected by microcephaly outbreak - all in Brazil are more than 1,248 cases reported in 311 municipalities in 14 states. News of the zika and cases of microcephaly took the country by surprise and raised many questions. Here are the answers to some of these questions:

What is the relationship between the zika and microcephaly?

From tests carried out on a baby born in Ceará, and eventually died with microcephaly and other congenital malformations, identified the presence of the virus.

Confirmation was possible from the confirmation of the Evandro Chagas Institute of virus presence of identification in blood and newborn tissues that came to death in Ceará.

Confirmation of the relationship between the virus and microcephaly is unprecedented in world scientific research.

The microcephaly is a congenital malformation, in which the brain does not develop properly. Usually it is caused by factors such as drug and radiation. The government says the current epidemic, babies are born with smaller than normal head circumference, which is usually greater than 33 cm.

What we do not know about the link between zika and fetal malformation?

The Ministry of Health made it clear, however, that there are still many issues to be resolved. One of the issues is how exactly is the role of the zika in the human body and infection of the fetus.

Also be sure which the most vulnerable period for pregnant women. In the government's initial analysis, the risk is associated with the first three months of pregnancy.

What is zika?

It is an arbovirus (genus flavivirus), ie usually transmitted by arthropods, which may be a tick, but is usually a kind of mosquito.

Ministry of Health confirmed relationship between zika viruses and microcephaly a malformation in the brain of babies

In the case of zika, it is transmitted by a mosquito of the genus Aedes such as Aedes aegypti, which also causes dengue.

In addition, it is also related to yellow fever, Nile fever and Japanese encephalitis.

What is its origin?

The virus was first identified in 1947 in Uganda, Zika forest.

It was discovered in a rhesus monkey during a study on the transfer of yellow fever on site.

Tests confirmed infection in humans in Uganda and Tanzania 1952, but in 1968 it was only possible to isolate the virus, with samples collected in Nigeria.

Several genetic analyzes have shown that there are two major strains of the virus: the African and the Asian.

How many people have died in Brazil victims of zika?

In addition to the Ceará baby, two other virus-related deaths have been confirmed by the government.

The first case was that of a man is with lupus history and chronic use of corticosteroids drugs, a resident of São Luís, Maranhão. Specific tests showed the presence of zika genome in blood and organs such as the brain, liver, spleen, kidney, lung and heart.

The second case is that of a girl of 16 years, the city of Benevides, Pará, who eventually died in late October. With initial suspicion of dengue, she had headache, nausea and red spots on the skin and mucous membranes. Tests were positive for the zika.

There have been previous outbreaks zika?

Yes, but not in that degree. In 2007, for example, there were cases of virus infection on the island of Yap, which is part of Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean.

It was the first time we have detected the virus outside its original geographic area, ie, Africa and Asia.

At the end of 2013, there was a zika the outbreak in French Polynesia, also in the Pacific. More than 10 thousand cases were diagnosed.

Of this total, about 70 evolved into a serious state. These patients develop neurological complications such as meningoencephalitis, and autoimmune diseases such as leukopenia (reduction in the level of leucocytes in the blood).

On 26 November, a report released by local authorities showed that at least 17 cases of malformations of the central nervous system were recorded between 2014 and this year, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC in acronym in English).

In the Americas, the virus was first detected in February 2014 made by Chilean authorities, which confirmed the first case in Easter Island. The transmission of their indigenous way (which occurred within the national territory and not in people who traveled abroad)

In May 2015, Brazil confirmed its first case of this type of transmission, a patient in the Northeast.

Colombia also reported its first case of virus infection in the state of Bolivar. Through October, nine cases were in this region.

Also cases were registered in the Cook Islands and New Caledonia, in the Pacific again.

What virus incubation time?

The incubation time tends to oscillate between 3 and 12 days. After this period the first symptoms arise. However, infection can also occur without the occurrence of symptoms (more below).

According to a study published in the medical journal The New England, one in four people develop symptoms.

Most patients recover, and hospitalization rates usually low.

And the symptoms?

The virus causes symptoms similar to those of dengue, but less severe: high fever, headache and body, reddish spots, aching muscles and joints. It can also cause inflammation in the feet and hands, conjunctivitis and edema in the lower limbs. Symptoms usually last between 4 and 7 days.

There are other less common symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite.

Recent analyzes in Brazil indicate that zika may contribute to worsening of clinical conditions and lead to death.

The first case was confirmed by the Evandro Chagas Institute, in Belém (PA). A man with lupus history and chronic use of corticosteroids drugs died with suspected dengue. Examination of blood and viscera fragments was negative for dengue, but detected the virus zika.

What is the treatment for zika?

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus zika, just steps to relieve symptoms such as rest and take medication such as paracetamol to control fever. The use of aspirin is not recommended because of the risk of bleeding.

It is also advisable to drink plenty of fluids to ease the symptoms.

There prevention?

How transmission occurs through the bite of the mosquito, it is recommended the use of mosquito nets with insecticides, plus the installation screens.

Also should use repellents with a compound called icaridine and clothing that covers arms and legs, to reduce the chances of taking a sting.

What the government is doing to deal with the epidemic of zika and microcephaly?

To date, the Ministry of Health called for a national mobilization to combat the Aedes aegypti.O government launched a campaign to draw attention to the fact that the mosquito kills.

On Monday, the ministry said it "is in contact with state and municipal departments to coordinate a joint response and, in particular, mobilize action against the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Expert Committees will support the Ministry of Health in epidemiological analysis and laboratory and monitoring of cases. "

On 13 November, a senior official of the Ministry of Health, Claudio Maierovitch, director of the Communicable Disease Surveillance Department, recommended that women do not become pregnant.

"Do not get pregnant now. This is the most sober advice that can be given," he said.

Currently, the Ministry of Health lowered the tone and urges caution for women who intend to become pregnant.

Also recommends that pregnant women wear long-sleeved clothing, pants and repellent suitable for pregnant women.

It is important that pregnant women keep monitoring and prenatal consultations, with the completion of all tests recommended by your doctor.

The Presidency also decided to convene the so-called Inter-Ministerial Strategic Group for Public Health Emergency of International and National Importance (GEI-PHEIC), involving 19 bodies and agencies, for the formulation of the national plan to combat the mosquito.

Currently, there are 199 municipalities in dengue outbreak risk, chikungunya and zika.

Source: Pan American Health Organization, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC, its acronym in English), National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health in the United States and WebMD.

 

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This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.