Context:
Over half of Indians aged 50+ are unaware of shingles, despite over 90% in this group carrying the virus, according to a survey by Ipsos for GlaxoSmithKline.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
- A viral infection causing a painful rash or blisters on the skin.
- Risk: Increases with age; most common in individuals over 50.
- Caused by – Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) (also responsible for chickenpox)
- Dormancy: After chickenpox recovery, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system.
- Reactivation: Reactivates as shingles later in life.
- Triggers: A weakened immune system due to aging, stress, or chronic illnesses increases the risk.
- Complication: Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN): Long-lasting nerve pain persisting for months or years.
- Transmission:
- Shingles itself is not contagious.
- The Varicella-Zoster Virus can spread to those without prior chickenpox exposure.
- Exposed individuals will develop chickenpox, not shingles.
- Vaccine: Shingrix is highly effective in preventing shingles and its complications.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by ‘the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Zika virus disease is spread by the same Aedes species mosquito responsible for transmitting dengue and chikungunya viruses in tropical regions. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
Zika can be transmitted through mosquito bites, as well as intrauterine infection, and can be sexually transmitted even if the infected person is asymptomatic, as stated in statement 2.