The Zika virus, which is steadily gaining international attention, is primarily spread through mosquitos. In most cases an infected person experiences mild, flu-like symptoms that can be treated with common pain and fever medication.
The main cause of concern over Zika, however, is the threat it poses to pregnant women. The epidemic of Zika in Brazil led to the discovery of a link between Zika infection in pregnant women and birth defects in their children. If you’re pregnant and concerned about Zika, here are five things to know about the virus.
How is Zika spread?
Up until recently, it was believed Zika could only be spread through a mosquito bite. However, a case of Zika in Texas was found to be transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected person. We also know the virus can be transmitted from an infected expectant mother to her developing fetus, which is why there is much concern surrounding pregnant women and the virus.
What is microcephaly-Zika connection?
Microcephaly is a condition in which a fetus’ brain and skull shrinks and does not fully develop. Additionally, life expectancy is shortened due to microcephaly, and those affected may experience severe cognitive disabilities.
Since the outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil, public health officials have found an increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly also testing positive for the Zika virus. The increase of birth defects has led to a belief that there is most likely a connection between the virus and microcephaly.
What should you do if you are pregnant and visited a Zika-infested area?
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines for expectant mothers who have visited or lived in known Zika outbreak areas while pregnant. If you are pregnant and recently traveled to these areas, contact your doctor right away. You may need testing if you had any of the following symptoms during the trip or within two weeks of returning home:
- Fever
- Joint and muscle pain
- Rash
- Headache
- Conjunctivitis
If you visited areas with a Zika outbreak, but had no symptoms, you should still have a fetal ultrasound as a precautionary measure.
What countries are included in the CDC warning?
The current CDC warning, as of February 2nd 2016, included the following countries and territories:
- The Caribbean: Barbados, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, and the US Virgin Islands
- Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama
- The Pacific Islands: American Samoa and Samoa
- South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname, and Venezuela; as well as Cape Verde and Mexico.
How can you prevent Zika?
At this time there is no cure or preventative vaccine for the Zika virus. Therefore, the best option to protect yourself from the virus is to practice prevention methods. Avoid affected areas and areas in which mosquitoes are known to breed, such as bodies of water, moist environments and swamps; use insect repellent; wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible; and keeps doors and windows closed.
