What you need to know about Zika virus
Here's the latest from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
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.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an
alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. The
outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome and
pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects and poor
pregnancy outcomes.
There have been reported cases in the US related to travel in
affected areas. There is no vaccine or specific treatment. Seek medical
assistance should you have any of the sypmtoms. WHO has recommended
women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should avoid travel in
the affected areas. Protect yourself and your family from mosquito
bites:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Use
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect
repellents. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for
safety and effectiveness.
- Always follow the product label instructions.
- Reapply insect repellent every few hours.
- Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
- If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
- If you have a baby or child:
- Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age.
- Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or
- Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting
Zika-affected areas(http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html)
Zika virus will continue to spread and it will be difficult to determine how the virus will spread over time.