Zika Virus Is The Cause Of Microcephaly In Infants-Finally Proven

zika-virus-vietnamThe Director of Prevention, Thomas R. Frieden, has confirmed that Infants affected by Zika virus will suffer from microcephaly. Earlier there were assumptions of this, however, it hadn’t been confirmed. WHO had declared that there is a strong consensus which can be proven scientifically that zika virus causes microcephaly and other neurological problems to babies within the womb of infected mothers. The brain size of these babies is also smaller. In severe cases, the size of the baby’s head is extremely small.

Microcephaly is a condition in which infants will have relatively smaller heads and many variations of brain damage. They are also under the threat of having neurological abnormalities. This is one of the most shocking discoveries as this infection is all due to the bite of a mosquito. The serious issue is that no vaccine has been discovered to block the virus yet.

Another factor is that this condition cannot be treated and will remain life long as such. Such cases are seen mostly in South American regions,especially Puerto Rico,Lat American Samoa. People traveling to these areas are advised to take extreme care.

zika-virus-mosquito-300x200There are cases where other defects have been seen in babies infected by Zika Virus. They have eye defects, hearing loss, and impaired growth. Studies are being conducted to confirm the correlation between these defects and the Zika virus infection.

Zika virus is passed to the baby from the infected pregnant mother. Research is being carried out to find whether the virus will remain in the mother’s body and affect further pregnancies. It is being assumed that the virus will get washed off and will not cause damage a second time. Also, certain studies show that once affected with Zika, the occurrence of the infection a second time in the same person is not likely.

USDA Influenced By The Big Egg- True Or False

usdaThe US Government has put up new guidelines to bring dietary control in American Consumption of Food. They have formulated limits for quantity and quality of food intake. Restrictions have been brought in all sections of food. Alcohol consumption also hasn’t been excluded.

Cholesterol levels have also been restricted. However, no strict limits have been prescribed. Americans are advised to consume as little dietary cholesterol as possible. Eggs, meat and shellfish have been part of the American diet and are the main sources of dietary cholesterol. Now the reports from USDA suggest that there is no relation between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol.

eggsPhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit organization which promotes vegan food has filed suit against USDA. Their allegation is that USDA has made financial ties with The American Egg Board and this is why they are avoiding the restriction on cholesterol. From long back, Eggs have been categorized as a cholesterol-containing food. Consumption of eggs was strictly prohibited by people suffering from high levels of cholesterol. Earlier there was this 300-mg limit of daily cholesterol intake. However now this has been altered and only a warning has been issued.
So Dr. Neal Barnard, President of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, and his associates, filed suit against the USDA. They claim that the DGAC has been influenced by the Big Egg. As a result of their allegation, the guidelines were altered to include that dietary cholesterol should be taken as little as possible.

Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) is the committee formed to work on and draft the guidelines for USDA. It consists of specialists and experts in the field of health, medicine and nutrition. This committee conducts research on all the aspects. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine claims to have proof that American Egg Board is funding this research. This Board promotes including eggs and egg products in the daily diet.

Zika Virus-What You Need To Know

zika-vZika virus is yet another disease outbreak. This is a mosquito-borne disease. In 1947 a new virus was discovered by scientists in a rhesus monkey in the Zika forest of Uganda. Hence the name Zika Virus.

Cause
Zika virus is a flavivirus which is mosquito –borne. The mosquito belongs to Aedes genus, They are mainly the Aedes aegypti in the tropical regions. These mosquitoes are mainly seen during the early morning and late evenings. This genus is also responsible for, chikungunya, dengue and also yellow fever.

Symptoms
The symptoms are usually mild. They will be seen for 2 days to 7 days. Some of the symptoms will be mistaken for dengue or chikungunya. The symptoms most commonly seen are
· fever,
· skin rashes,
· conjunctivitis,
· muscle pain
· joint pain,
· malaise,
· headache

zika-mosquitoComplications
This harmful virus is known to cause microcephaly. In addition to this Zika virus can also cause Guillain-Barré syndrome. Scientists are working on finding if Zika virus is responsible for neurological disorders too.

Methods of transmission
· Direct mosquito bites
· Sexual transmission
· Blood transfusion
· Exchange of body fluids

Preventive measures
Also keep a record of travel history. If you have been to a Zika infected area, you need to meet your medical practitioner. It is advisable to refrain from sexual activities for at least 6 months if so. Pregnant women are at a great risk of contracting this virus which is in turn very dangerous to the fetus. The baby affected will be born with a relatively smaller head.

Treatment
As of now, no vaccine has been discovered. Taking lots of fluids, availing adequate rest, using painkillers, taking medicines for fever, checking with your doctor regularly and refraining from social activities can help reduce the seriousness. It is advisable to visit the hospital if conditions worsen.

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