Mexico, Venezuela and Paraguay confirmed first Zika fever cases.
The World Health Organization along with the health authorities from the South and Central South America acknowledged the first outbreak of the Zika virus. First confirmed cases of Zika virus were in Venezuela, Paraguay, and Mexico.
Following the Dengue and the Chikungunya outbreaks, that took the South and Central America by surprise, it would seem that the Americans are facing a new threat in the form of a more aggressive virus.
According to the medical examiners which conducted the screening for Dengue and Chikungunya, most of the patients that tested negative for both diseases tested positive for Zika virus infestation. A total number of six patients are suspected to be infected with the Zika virus. Also, with Brazil reporting its first two casualties, the authorities have decided to close the borders until further notice.
Recent Zika virus outbreaks are linked with increased microcephaly cases. According to official reports, the Brazilian ministry of health suspects almost 1250 individuals of displaying symptoms consistent with microcephaly. Moreover, on the 27th of November, the health authorities from Venezuela, confirmed the existence of the virus in four harvested cultures.
Even the Mexican health authorities have posted updates regarding the Zika situation. With two confirmed Zika infection and another imported cases, the Mexican authorities cautioned individuals who are planning to travel in these parts of the world.
As of now, the World Health Organization is coordinating with the health officials from South and Central America in order to put a lid on the ever increasing numbers of Zika cases. Moreover, it would seem that the joint team is planning on opening additional communication lines in order to help those who are fighting against the outbreak.
The first confirmed cases of Zika virus prompts us to say a few words regarding the nature of the virulent outburst. According to the medical literature written on this matter, it would seem that the Zika virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family and it is capable of transmitting a disease called the Zika fever. Moreover, it would seem that the Zika fever has a lot in common with dengue fever, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and even West Nile.
Those coming down with Zika fever could display one of the following symptoms: mild headaches, fever, malaise, conjunctivitis, maculopapular rash and arthralgia. The first case of Zika fever is known to have happened back in the ‘60s. Up to now, no vaccine was developed in order to counter the effects of the Zika virus.
In the case of an infection, patients are being treated with analgesics and non-steroid anti-inflammatories.
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