With all of the recent news surrounding the Zika virus, the North End Waterfront Health (NEW Health) has provided some information for those wishing to know more about the disease. The disease is spread through mosquito bites, and has been attributed mostly to South American and Caribbean locations. This short article to keep you better informed on the Zika virus, and how it could affect your life.
The CDC has issued a travel alert for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. This alert follows reports in Brazil of microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. Until more is known, and out of an abundance of caution, CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant.
- Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
- Pregnant women who must travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly use these precautions during the trip: use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.
- Women trying to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to these areas and follow the same precautions.
- Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.
- There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. Travelers can protect themselves from this disease by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites. When traveling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes have been reported; use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.
You can find more information by going to the CDC’s Zika website. Continue to follow NEW Health here, as well as on Facebook and Twitter for more health related information and education.
