In response to the growing spread of Zika Virus across continents, it is important that you learn of self diagnostic methods using Elisa Kits to test whether you have the virus or not.
But first lets all get a clear understanding of the Zika Virus Disease. Zika is a disease or virus that is mostly spread through mosquito bites. A simple bite from an infected Aedes female mosquito can spread the virus to a great number of people. The most common symptoms of Zika Virus are red or pink eyes (conjunctivitis), fever, rash and joint pains.
The symptoms, which are not severe in most cases; may last from 2 to 7 days after you have been bitten by an infected mosquito. Additionally, though not a proven fact, some medical practitioners believe that after you have had Zika, you become immune to the virus. Despite how crazy it may sound, getting Zika might be good news since there are no chances of reinfections once you have been infected.
However, once you have been infected with the virus, it is imperative that you ensure that you do not spread the virus. Like it has been mentioned, the virus is widely spread through mosquito bites. So the best way to protect those around you and ensure that you do not infect them is to sleep under a treated mosquito net and to wear clothes that cover your body during daytime. If you live in an area that is a breeding zone for mosquitoes, apply insect repellent, especially during the day.
Diagnosis for Human Zika Virus; How to test for Zika
With the advancement of technology and availability of Elisa kits, testing serum or plasma for Zika is now easier than ever. After The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika to be a health emergency and a microcephaly-causing infection, there is an urgent need for people to get tested.
Unlike older days when one had to undergo a series of tests before getting results, Elisa kits are effective, reliable, accurate and the fastest immunoassay method. Read on to understand how the Elisa works and how the results are interpreted. Normally, a sample is taken from the patient; it maybe a drop of blood or serum. The sample is then placed on the kit, and since Elisa Kits are highly sensitive, the results will be seen through a color change.
What happens is, the Elisa Kits detect the Zika Protein Antibodies or Zika igm in a sample that was drawn from the patient. Then, within two hours of testing, the Elisa Kit will be able to determine whether the patient tested positive for Zika through a visible color change.
What the Risks of Zika?
- Unborn babies and/or pregnant mothers are at most risk from Zika virus. For babies, Zika virus can cause a serious birth defect, microcephaly, while pregnant mothers face the chances of miscarriage.
- The virus also affects the elderly by attacking their neurological system. In most cases, adults who have Zika have severe nerve disorder which might lead to muscle weakness, joint pains and also paralysis.
- At the moment, there is no treatment or vaccine for Zika. Therefore, with the virus spreading like fire, we all must be proactive and remember that the only treatment is to protect yourself from the Virus.
Author Bio:
Julian Scott is a health and fitness blogger who has had a firsthand experience with Elisa Zika igm testing Kits. In her blog, she shares timely articles on how to protect oneself from Zika and how to stop the virus from spreading.
