Seriousness of Zika virus and its effect on the fetus during pregnancy
Although the Zika virus is not so much in the news anymore, parents may still have questions about it.
Watch this 30-second video that highlights the importance of talking to your doctor about Zika if you're pregnant and the importance of avoiding Zika virus-affected areas if you're pregnant.
Here is some more information you should be aware of regarding the virus.
What is the Zika virus?
Zika virus can cause the following symptoms:
- Rash.
- Fever.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye).
- joint pain.
Symptoms usually resolve in less than a week, are mild, and rarely require hospitalization.
However, because the infection affects people differently, only 1 in 5 people develop symptoms.
The Zika virus is particularly dangerous for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant because the virus affects the development of the fetus in the womb.
Federal health officials have confirmed that the Zika virus can cause microcephaly (babies born with small heads) and other physical and brain abnormalities in babies.
Because Zika can affect fetal brain development and can cause long-lasting negative consequences, its prevention is critical.
How is the Zika virus spread?
- mosquitoes:
Mosquitoes can transmit Zika virus from person to person.
If a pregnant woman becomes infected, Zika virus can be transmitted to her baby while she is pregnant or close to delivery.
The mosquitoes that transmit the Zika virus bite indoors and outdoors, mainly during daylight hours. Some cases of Zika virus have been confirmed in the United States.
As the weather gets warmer, more mosquitoes will circulate.
Parents should take steps to help children protect themselves from mosquito bites and make sure everyone who cares for their children does too.
sexual transmission:
Men who live in or travel to areas with Zika virus transmission should use condoms when having sex with their pregnant partner or abstain from sex altogether for the duration of the pregnancy.
Even if the partner is not pregnant, men should consider taking these steps.
If you are not pregnant, but are thinking of trying to get pregnant, you should wait at least 6 months for men and 8 weeks for women after symptoms or exposure occur.
Talk to your doctor if you are trying to get pregnant and think you may have been exposed to the Zika virus.
Also, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websitefor more information on how to protect yourself from sexual transmission.
Others:
The CDC is still reviewing data on whether the virus can be transmitted through saliva or urine and is not currently making any recommendations related to these bodily secretions (fluids).
Zika virus has been detected in breast milk, and several cases of infants infected through breast milk have been reported.
However, because the evidence for the benefits of breast milk so far outweighs the evidence for the risk of Zika virus spreading to breast milk, the CDC continues to recommend that mothers breastfeed their infants, even in Zika risk areas.
warning not to travel:
- Until more is known about the Zika virus, the CDC has issued specific warnings for pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant.
- Women who are trying or planning to become pregnant should consult their doctor before traveling to these areas and strictly follow measures to avoid mosquito bites during travel.
- Pregnant women in any trimester should not travel to areas of active Zika virus transmission.
- Pregnant women who travel to these areas should consult their doctor before doing so and strictly follow measures to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.
Prevention:
- The best way to avoid being infected with Zika virus in areas where it is present is to take the following steps to prevent mosquito bites:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants or clothing that has been treated with permethrin. If possible, choose clothing made of thick fabrics as mosquitoes can bite through thin or thin clothing.
- Use an insect repellant. Women who are pregnant and nursing can and should choose an EPA-approved insect repellent and use the product according to label directions.
- Stay and sleep in rooms that are screened or air-conditioned, or sleep in a bed with a mosquito net (one treated with permethrin would be best).
Vaccine Research:
There are currently no vaccines or treatments available to prevent or treat Zika virus infection.
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