With speculations that the mosquito that transmits zika virus is now in Nigeria, here are few things to know about this deadly virus:
1. Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that is spread by the Aedes species of mosquito.
Unlike malaria-carrying mosquitos, this species is mostly active during the day and so barrier methods such as mosquito nets are ineffective. These mosquitos can survive in both indoor and outdoor environments.
2. Symptoms of Zika virus infection ( which include: fever,Rash, Joint pain,Conjunctivitis, muscle pain,Headache,Pain behind the eyes,
Vomiting )last for up to a week and majority of people infected with Zika virus do not display any symptom.
3.Zika infection can spread from a mother to a fetus during pregnancy.
4.At present, there is no treatment for the virus.
5. Zika virus can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
6. There's a potential link between Zika and birth defects such as microcephaly.
Zika virus is avoidable though, this we can do by:
* Not travelling to areas with Zika. If you must travel, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider first and take steps to plan for travel.
* If your sex partner travels to an area with Zika, protect yourself from getting Zika during sex.
* If you live in an area with Zika, or if you or your sexual partner travel to an area with Zika, take steps to prevent mosquito bites and also take steps to prevent getting Zika through sex.

#stay safe.