JAKARTA – Zika virus and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) were able to change the scent of infected humans and mice. This is revealed by research published by Cell.
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This change in scent even attracts mosquitoes, which then suck blood and carry the virus to the next victim.
This dengue fever usually spreads in tropical areas, such as Indonesia. This disease causes fever, red spots, and painful pain that can be fatal.
Meanwhile, Zika virus in pregnant women can cause birth defects.
However, most adults who contract the Zika virus show mild or no symptoms and usually recover within a few days. As reported by the BBC.
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Researchers at a number of Chinese laboratories, including the Chinese Center for Disease Prevention and Control at Beijing’s Tsinghua University, found odor molecules in infected mice made them more susceptible to mosquito bites.
The molecule that attracts mosquitoes the most is acetophenone. This molecule was increased in humans and mice infected with dengue or Zika. This has been tested on the hands of volunteers.
Meanwhile, tightly covering body parts with cloth, or using mosquito nets, and using insect repellent are the best ways that are currently used to ward off mosquito bites.
So far it is estimated that there are more than 400 million cases of dengue infection every year. Cases of Zika disease have been reported in 86 countries around the world.
This virus is most common in parts of South and Central America, Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of countries in Asia.
Yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis (viral inflammation of the brain), and West Nile disease are also caused by viruses that are still one family with Zika.
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