Aedes mosquito spreads Zika virus, Dengue and Chikungunya
Q. The Aedes mosquito spreads
1) Dengue
2) Chikungunya
3) Zika virus
4) Malaria- Published on 02 Feb 16a. 1, 2, 3
b. 1, 2, 4
c. 1, 3, 4
d. All of the above
ANSWER: 1, 2, 3
- Zika virus disease is an emerging viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito (Aedes agypti). This is the same mosquito that is known to transmit infections like dengue and chikungunya.
- There is no vaccine or drug available to prevent/ treat Zika virus disease at present.
- A majority of those infected with Zika virus disease either remain asymptomatic (up to 80%) or show mild symptoms of fever, rash, conjunctivitis, body ache, joint pains. Zika virus infection should be suspected in patients reporting with acute onset of fever, maculo-papular rash and arthralgia.
- Zika virus disease has the potential for further international spread given the wide geographical distribution of the mosquito vector, a lack of immunity among population in newly affected areas and the high volume of international travel. As of now, the disease has not been reported in India. However, the mosquito that transmits Zika virus, namely Aedes aegypti , that also transmits dengue virus, is widely prevalent in India.
