Zika Virus: 8 Things You Should Know

4. Possible Microcephaly as the Most Dangerous Effect

Although there hasn’t been any solid proof that ZIKV infection during pregnancy and microcephaly are linked, the high numbers of cases are extremely worrisome, according to WHO Director General Margaret Chan.

Microcephaly is a neurological disorder that results in newborn babies having abnormally small heads, which is caused by the failure of the brain to grow at a normal rate. Microcephaly is deadly only when the child’s brain is so underdeveloped that it cannot keep up with its vital functions. Children who do survive infancy grow with intellectual disabilities and developmental delays.

3. Measures to Take

Via log.tugo.com

The CDC has advised everyone to take responsible and precautionary measures during their trips to countries where ZIKV or any other mosquito-transmitted diseases are rampant . Remember to use insect repellents, wear long-sleeved shirts or long pants, stay in air conditioned places, install door and window screens to keep mosquitoes outside and to empty stagnant water like those in flowerpots or buckets where mosquitos love to procreate.

To avoid getting others infected if you fall victim to the virus, avoid getting mosquito bites during the first week of illness. This is because ZIKV can only be found in infected blood, and can only be passed to another person through mosquito bites.

2. Places You Should Avoid

Via paho.org

The following countries have been infected by ZIKV: Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname, Venezuela and the United States.

If you have any plans to visit to these countries, it’s recommended you postpone your trip or, especially if you’re pregnant, to be careful and take the precautionary steps to avoid infection.

The ZIKV is also starting to spread outside Latin countries–the United States already has four reported cases and the United Kingdom has reported three cases.

1. Still No Cure

Via channelnewsasia.com

Since 1954, no cure or vaccination has been discovered to address ZIKV. Professor of Global Health Research at Oxford University Trudie Lang says that given its rapid spread with so little known about it, sufficient research is urgently needed to understand what is happening and to prevent further cases.

The Brazilian government has been working on developing a testing kit to detect infections much faster. They also said that more money is being given to the development and research on ZIKV. Brazil has also announced that it will be deploying 220,000 troops to raise awareness around the country.

Have you encountered the Zika virus or have any other tips for fellow Pinoys and travelers? Sound off in the comments below!