Recently the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) issued a travel warning for people visiting countries that have reported cases of the Zika virus. While the organization has issued a travel warning for all; they are stressing that pregnant women should take special precautions because the virus is suspected to cause birth defects. Here is a list of some of those precautions as well as general information about the virus:
1: The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus. It is transmitted to people through mosquito bites. It may also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her child during birth- this mode of transmission is being researched.
2: The symptoms of the disease include:
- Fever
- Rashes
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Pain behind the eyes
- Conjunctivitis
3: Symptoms typically appear after two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
4: Countries included in the list of destinations where the Zika virus is ongoing include:
- Brazil
- Colombia
- El Salvador
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Martinique
- French Guiana
- Guatemala
- Mexico
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Puerto Rico
- Suriname
- Venezuela
5: Using insect repellant is one of the ways you can protect yourself from contracting the virus while traveling to these countries. For other tips to prevent bug bites, please visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites
6: If you are in your third trimester of pregnancy, the CDC recommends that you should consider postponing your trip to countries where the virus is ongoing. If this is not possible please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
7: Currently there is no vaccination to prevent the virus.
For more information about the Zika Virus, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.