So, what is the Zika virus?

The Zika virus is a virus spread to humans by a mosquito bite. The Zika virus is from the same family as:

  • yellow fever
  • west nile virus
  • chikingunya
  • and dengue virus

The areas with active mosquito bourn transmission of Zika virus are Latin America, areas of Africa, southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. About 2.2 billion people live in the “at risk” areas.

Today, as it stands:

  • there is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus, and also,
  • there is no treatment available to treat Zika Virus.

The symptoms of the Zika Virus:

  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Headaches
  • Red eyes

80% of people who get Zika, won't even know they have the virus. The symptoms show in only1 in 5 people.

What makes the Zika virus so scarey is the alarming connection between the virus and microcephaly.

Microcephaly is the medical name for babies being born with heads and brains that are too small.

In Brazil and other latin American countries, they are concerned enough to ask women not to get pregnant.

In the U.S. pregnant women are being told to postpone travel to any of the “at risk” countries.

To prevent infections:

  • You should use insect repellant with DEET
  • Wearing thick clothing and
  • Staying indoors in screened off areas.
  • or simply just avoid travelling to “at risk” countries completely.

Garvan Lynch M.B.A. (Public Health) D.I.C.
Lynchs Pharmacy,
Douglas,
Cork.