ZIKA Virus: The Facts
Another year, another scary virus to be on the lookout for. This time, it's the Zika Virus. What is it? How can I avoid it? Grab your mosquito repellant and check out our basic facts below ...
What is the Zika Virus? According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the Zika Virus is a virus infection spread via mosquito bites.
"Zika is a stark reminder that our first line of defense is often the simplest: stay away from affected areas and, quite literally, don't get bitten."
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What are the symptoms? Most common symptoms are joint pain, redness of eyes, fever and/or rash. These symptoms can last a few days to weeks!
What's with the photos and videos of babies will really small heads? The Zika Virus causes Microcephaly in the brain of a fetus. Microcephaly is a disorder in the brain and skull which, when an infected child is born, its head is under developed. It causes developmental and intellectual impairment.
How common/uncommon is this virus? So far, 51 children have died from it in Brazil, and over 4,200 cases have been reported in just a few months!
Is there a cure? As of right now, there is no vaccine and there probably won't be one for a few years.
What areas are hit the hardest? South America, Central America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. As of this morning, there are apparently 31 people diagnosed with Zika in the U.S., three of whom are pregnant women! A woman from Houston contracted the virus during a trip to El Salvador over Christmas. Her symptoms were: extreme fatigue, nausea, and she had a large rash that covered her body.
Any restrictions on travel? YES! There are travel warnings targeting pregnant women (or those wanting to be pregnant in the near future) to stay away from the affected countries. El Salvador and Brazil have even asked women to delay getting pregnant for two years.
Pregnancy & Travel
Travel warnings are currently targeted at pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant. Some countries, like Brazil and El Salvador, have taken the extreme step of asking women to delay pregnancy for up to two years until the virus is better understood.
How can I prevent getting the virus? First and foremost, stay away from those affected areas! Secondly, stock up on mosquito repellant! Lastly, don't get bitten!
Photo Credit: John Tann
