Ebola and zika virus

Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF) is a zoonosis affecting both human and non-human primates (NHP).The virus causing the outbreak has been characterized as Zaire Ebolavirus (EBOV). EBOV belongs to the genus Ebolavirus which together with the genus Marburgvirus forms the family of Filoviridae. Managing Ebola patients in the African setting was a major challenge since there was no effective antiviral drug and no specific vaccine available. Only supportive care could be administered, to sustain cardiac and renal functions with prudent use of perfusion. Zika virus is usually spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can also be spread from a man to his sexual partner during unprotected sexual contact and from a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. The symptoms of Zika are similar to that of dengue and chikungunya, which are diseases caused by other viruses spread by the same type of mosquitoes. No specific treatment available for Zika. Symptoms are treated by getting rest, drinking fluids to prevent dehydration and taking medicines such as acetaminophen or paracetamol to relieve fever and pain.