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Zika Virus - Prevention in Seniors

Viruses are spreading like wildfire these days. New viruses are cropping up daily with names from A-Z and here is one more- Zika virus. 


 The first outbreak of this mosquito-borne virus was reported by WHO in 2007 and since then, the Zika Virus transmission has occurred across continents and countries at an alarming rate. This Virus is quickly contagious but can be curbed if detected immediately. But if left undetected, this Zika virus can prove lethal. 

Elders are at more risk due to Zika virus transmission as their immunity is weak and their health has lost its vigour. But there is no cause for worry as the treatment of Zika virus is easy and Zika virus vaccination is also available to prevent its onset. 

Who is at risk of Zika virus transmission? 
  • 1. Frequent travellers to mosquito-prone areas like Central and South Americas, 2. 2. The South Pacific or the Caribbean islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands are at high risk from Zika. 
  • 3. Anyone bitten by Aedes mosquito during daytime is at high risk from zika. 
  • 4. India has the highest Zika-prone population geographically. 

How Zika virus transmission occurs? 
Zika virus is transmitted through 
  • 1. Mosquito bite from Aedes egypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito species 
  • 2. Blood transfusion from a Zika-infected patient 
  • 3. Infected pregnant mother to unborn child 
  • 4. Sexual intercourse (anal, oral, vaginal, sharing of sex toys and homosexual activity) with a Zika-infected partner. 

Signs and Symptoms of Zika virus 
There are no characteristic signs of Zika virus. this is why most people who are affected by Zika hardly know it. But if any person has the following symptoms for more than 3 days, it is best to get them checked for Zika virus. The symptoms of Zika Virus are 
  • 1. Fever 
  • 2. Rashes 
  • 3. Body or head ache and joint pain 
  • 4. Conjunctivitis or Red eyes. 
  • 5. Chills 
  • 6. Vomitting 

The Zika virus remains in an infected person's blood for about a week as the mosquito incubates in a week to 12 days after the mosquito bite. During this period, if the symptoms are manifested, it is best to get a blood and urine test done to detect the presence of Zika virus. 

Zika virus can be dangerous as its host, the Aedes mosquito can also spread dengue and chikungunya too. So look out for the symptoms of Zika virus transmission and seek treatment for Zika virus immediately. 

Why are elders at more risk from Zika virus transmission? 
Elders are at more risk from Zika virus because of 

 Weak immunity 
Old age weakens a person and reduces his/her immunity. this is why elders are more susceptible to Zika virus than youngsters. 

 Guillain-Barré syndrome 
The Guillain-Barré syndrome affects the elderly easily after the onset of a zika virus attack. when an Aedes mosquito bites a person, it enters his bloodstream and even affects the nervous system. This can cause Guillain-Barré syndrome which is an immune disorder where the nervous system prompts the immune system to affect its own body. This results in muscle weakness and sometimes, even paralysis. Elders are at more risk from this disease as their immunity is already low and they cannot combat Zika attack. 

 Microcephaly 
Microcephaly is a congenital malformation caused when the Zika virus is transmitted from mother to foetus during the first trimester of the pregnancy This leads to brain size of the foetus being reduced and is called microcephaly. 

How can elders prevent Zika Virus transmission? 
  • 1. Wear long- sleeved shirts and full pants or skirts. 
  • 2. Apply mosquito repellant both day and night. 
  • 3. Install mosquito net, meshes or screens to doors and windows. 
  • 4. Avoid water-logged areas 
  • 5. Stay indoors from morning to early evening in a screened building 
  • 6. Get zika virus vaccination done 
  • 7. Drink lots of fluids and consume more fruits and vegetables. 

Vaccination for senior citizens is a must to strengthen their immunity in their autumn years. Prevent Zika virus transmission through awareness and alertness by taking the necessary precautions.

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