Facts

• The Zika Virus is currently “spreading explosively” in Latin America. Four million cases are predicted within the next year;
• Zika virus is expected to spread but it is difficult to predict how the virus will spread over time;
• The virus is currently under intense investigation because of concerns that it might cause pregnant women to miscarry or deliver babies with abnormally small brains;
• Zika Virus infections continue to be diagnosed in the U.S. All cases are in travelers returning to the U.S. from out of the country.
  • These cases include one in a pregnant woman in N.Y.;
  • Zika Virus was declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) on February 1, 2016;
  • A pregnant woman is not necessarily at risk, the unborn child is at greater risk;
  • There is documented evidence of sexually-transmitted cases (stays in semen for up to two weeks);
  • Other potential ways that the virus is transmitted: 
    • Blood transmission

Tips

• Pregnant women should avoid traveling to countries that are currently experiencing Zika Virus outbreaks;
• If traveling in a Zika-affected country, the best way to avoid Zika is to avoid mosquito bites;
  • Minimize outdoor activity;
  • Wear long clothing and/or permethrin-treated clothing including boots and socks;
  • Sleep in enclosed air-conditioned and/or netted spaces;
  • There are several insect repellents that are considered safe for pregnant women:
    • 20 percent DEET;
    • Picaridin;
    • Insect Repellent 3535 (IR 3535);
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE);
    • There are currently no vaccines or medications available to prevent or treat Zika infections;
    • If infected, rest and drink lots of fluids to help the body naturally combat the infection.
    • Pregnant women who have traveled to an affected area, whose partners have traveled to an affected area, or who think they might have Zika Virus infection should consult with a health care provider without delay

Symptoms

• Fever
• Rash
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• 80% of those infected will not experience symptoms and may unaware of the infection
• 1 in 5 people infected will become ill
• Symptoms are usually mild, and will last only a few days or up to one week 

Resources

• http://www.cdc.gov/zika
• http://www.who.int/emergencies/zika-virus/en/
• http://www.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11585&Itemid=41688&lang=en

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