04 •
localNEWS+
march | 2016
Zika epidemic poses grave dangers globally Dreadful disease, which WHO labels as a global public health emergency, is taking world by storm
T
he Zika virus disease outbreak, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) has labelled as a global public health emergency requiring a united response, is causing great panic and concern around the world. In fact, due to the mounting fears, some quarters have warned competitors and visitors against going for the 2016 Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August. The culprit of the Zika outbreak is the potent Zika virus that spreads to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito called Aedes egypti – the same species that spreads dengue and chikungunya. Scientists believe the species originated in Africa and spread to other continents through shipping and airplanes. And now it’s found throughout the world. It was also speculated that Zika may have arrived in Brazil in 2014, carried by visitors attending World Cup soccer games and it started a chain reaction. Recent news reports said the rampant spread of Zika in Latin America and the Caribbean has affected an estimated 1.5 million Brazilians and, according to WHO, it could infect as many as four million people in the Americas. BABIES WITH ABNORMALLY SMALL HEADS Humans are susceptible to being bitten by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes both during day time and at night. Even worse, it was reported that the Zika virus can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy, causing microcephaly to the baby, which is abnormal smallness of the head and underdeveloped brain. There had also been recent reports of transmissions via sexual intercourse. WHO says research into the etiology of new clusters of microcephaly and other neurological disorders should be intensified to determine whether there is a causative link to Zika virus and/ or other factors or co-factors. As these clusters have occurred in areas newly infected with Zika virus, and in keeping with good
public health practice and the absence of another explanation for these clusters, the world body highlights the importance of aggressive measures to reduce infection with Zika virus, particularly among pregnant women and women of childbearing age. HIGHER RISKS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN Concerning Zika virus transmission, WHO says women of childbearing age, particularly pregnant women, need to be made aware of the risk factors associated with the disease and given the necessary information to reduce risk of exposure. Also, pregnant women who had been exposed to Zika virus should be counselled and followed for birth outcomes based on the best available information and national practice and policies. Prof Dr Sazaly Abu Bakar from the University of Malaya’s Department of Medical Microbiology tells Health+ that the virus is already in Malaysia, perhaps among monkeys and mosquitoes. “The Zika virus has already been here since 1969 at least,” he says. On the prospect of developing a vaccine against the Zika virus, Dr Sazaly says: “A number of countries have initiated programmes to develop vaccine for the infection, but, unfortunately, not in Malaysia.” As a precautionary measure, WHO recommends that surveillance for Zika virus infection should be enhanced, with the dissemination of standard case definitions and diagnostics to at-risk areas. PREVENTION The prevention of Zika virus infection and disease is the same as that for dengue. The most effective way to prevent the virus from spreading is by eliminating grounds for mosquitoes by means of good environmental practices. Keep drains free from choke, cover containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from it, properly dispose of items that can collect water, install mosquito screens on windows, and clear water in saucers of potted plants. And as the saying goes time and again, prevention is better than cure.
... rampant spread of Zika in Latin America and the Caribbean has affected an estimated
1.5
million Brazilians
Deadly virus linked to microcephaly in babies
Microcephaly is a rare neurological condition in which an infant’s head is significantly smaller than a regular size head. It is usually the result of the brain developing abnormally in the womb. Experts say babies born with microcephaly can grow up to have a few or no complications, but it depends on the severity of the condition. In the worst case, an underdeveloped brain can lead to seizures, developmental delays, intellectual disability, problems with movement and balance, hearing loss and visual problems. Microcephaly can be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. But now, there is a strong link between the Zika virus and microcephaly in babies from infected pregnant women. There are no treatments for microcephaly. However, early intervention with supportive therapies, such as speech and occupational therapies, may help the child’s development and improve his or her quality of life. With the Zika virus becoming a global epidemic, it is recommended that pregnant women see a doctor for a baby checkup. However, if by any reason your baby’s head is smaller than normal, talk to your doctor.
by DATUK DR MOHD NOOR AWANG
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