Zika Virus And Pregnancy

by **Nanneerose** Wed Mar 30, 2016 9:30 pm

Zika Fever is an illness caused by the Zika virus. Zika fever and the Zika virus have been declared as a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization. The health emergency is not related to the general public but rather toexpecting mothers and those looking to conceive.
Zika fever appears to be connected to potentialbirth defects. Although additional research is needed, the virus and fever appear to be connected to the development of smaller heads and possible brain damage. Observationally, speaking the virus appears to cause microephaly.

What Is The Zika Virus?

Zika virus is a virus that is spread by mosquitos, and causes symptoms such as fever, rash,headache, joint pain, and red eyes. Zika has been linked to major birth defects, including microcephaly, in the babies of women who are pregnant at the time they are infected with the virus. Although the research has not yet drawn a clear link between these birth defects and the virus, the CDC and WHO are strongly cautioningpregnant women from traveling to an area where this virus is a known risk.
There is also evidence that it can be spread through blood transfusion and sexual contact, vaginal and anal. It is unknown if the virus can be spread through oral sex, but considering it is spread through semen, there is a possibility for it to be spread through oral sex. Semen can also contain the virus for a longer period than blood. The virus is known to have the ability to spread through men who currently have symptoms, as well as before they start and after they end.
Currently, there is little known about this disease. No test yet exists to pinpoint individuals with the virus, and there is no vaccine or cure. At this time, the CDC strongly cautions against pregnant women or women who are trying to get pregnant traveling to countries where Zika is known to be a risk.

How To Prevent Zika Fever

If you must travel to a country where Zika is a risk, there are a few precautions you can take. Wear long sleeves and pants to cover as much skin as possible. Use insect repellant whenever possible. Stay indoors during the daytime, which is when mosquitos that carry Zika are most active. If you begin to experience any symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Do not try to treat Zika at home if you are pregnant.
Men who experience symptoms of the Zika virus should use condoms or avoid sexual intercourse for at least 6 months. Women who are trying to get pregnant and previously had symptoms of the virus or tested positive should wait at least 8 weeks after symptoms first appeared before trying to conceive. It is recommended to talk to your healthcare provider before trying to conceive

Where Does The Zika Virus Come From?

The Zika virus originated in Uganda Africa and appears to be most associated with the Yellow Fever carrying mosquitos. Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt and several other west Africa countries report cases of Zika Fever. The virus is now found in Brazil and the norther countries of South America, all Central American countries, India, Indonesia, and a number of other Southeastern Asia countries.
The virus and Zika fever are now appearing in the United States with Florida presenting the majority of cases.
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/zika-virus-and-pregnancy/

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