The recent reports of the increase
in cases of the mosquito-spread Zika virus are causing alarm in the Americas.
Dr. Vanya Gant, PhD, FRCP FRCPath, an GeoBlue-contracted provider specializing
in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, has provided 12 important facts about
the current Zika virus outbreak and how it could impact you.
GeoBlue has dedicated multilingual
resources available 24/7 for members who are in need of medical care and
assistance.
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Find out more information about the
situation:
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12
Things You Should Know About Zika Virus
1.
So what is Zika virus?
Zika virus occurs in a large number
of tropical countries, and there are currently large outbreaks in Latin America
and the Caribbean, and additional outbreaks in the Cape Verde islands off of
Africa, and several Pacific islands. People get Zika virus when they get bitten
by mosquitoes carrying it; other viruses such as Dengue and Malaria are passed
on the same way. There is currently no vaccine available.
2.
How do I know I am infected?
If you get bitten by mosquitoes, a
few days later, Zika virus may infect you. The infection may be very mild, and
in many people, will go unnoticed. Some people will, however, get symptoms, not
unlike having a mild version of the flu: a low fever, headache, muscle and
joint pains, as well as red eyes and a non-itchy flat rash.
3.
Why the big splash then?
Zika virus has spread very
considerably in Brazil for quite a while; the worry is that this has been
accompanied by a large and as yet unexplained increase in the number of babies
born with a condition called "microcephaly" - literally meaning
"small brain", which means that normal brain development in the womb
has stopped, and that these children's brains are much smaller than they should
be at birth. It has yet to be determined how strong the link is between this
virus and this devastating congenital abnormality. Furthermore, there are some
indications that Zika infection (along with other infections) may trigger a
neurological disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can vary in severity
from mild symptoms to life threatening paralysis. This link also remains to be
proven.
4.
Can the disease be imported?
Zika virus infection is transmitted
primarily by mosquitoes. It can only be passed on in countries where the
transmitting mosquitos live, which include Africa, Asia, the Americas and parts
of southern Europe. There are, however, reports of sexual transmission by men
who became ill with Zika. It is not yet known if men who become infected but
are asymptomatic can pass Zika to their sexual partner.
5.
Can Zika spread from human to human?
It looks increasingly likely that
Zika can be transmitted sexually, albeit only occasionally. Zika can be found
in semen for several weeks after recovery from infection. Travellers to regions
where Zika is known to circulate should take precautions and use condoms, which
are likely to be effective if used correctly and consistently. Men returning
from Zika virus areas should use a condom with a female partner at risk of
pregnancy, whether planned or not. The UK has been the first country to recommend
that men should use condoms for 28 days if they have had no symptoms; and 6
months after recovery from proven Zika infection.
6.
Is it safe to travel to Brazil and other affected countries?
The world's best health authorities
are working on what this might mean for travellers to this region of the world.
This is especially important for those residing in or near an affected country.
People who get infected with Zika virus have a mild illness, which resolves in
a few days; many won't even know they've got the virus. The problem relates to
people who are pregnant; the extent of the risk of developing Guillain-Barré
syndrome after infection remains to be determined.
7.
What about the Olympics?
The Rio Olympics and Paralympics (5
- 21 August; 7 - 18 September) will represent one of the biggest mass gathering
events ever for South America. Thankfully, this will be in Brazil's cooler
months; and we know that all mosquito-borne diseases are very low there during
this period. The Brazilian authorities are working hard on a new set of
mosquito control measures. The exact amount of risk is considered low - but not
calculated yet.
8.
What's the link with pregnancy?
While a clear link between birth
abnormalities and Zika virus infection in pregnancy has yet to be established,
it seems self-evident that pregnant women should consider avoiding travel to
areas where there is Zika virus. If travel is unavoidable, the key is an
excellent anti-mosquito regimen, which could include wearing long sleeves,
using insect repellent containing DEET and sleeping under
insecticide-impregnated bed nets. Discuss the best protocols for you with your
Obstetrician. Currently we have nothing else to fight this virus; there's no
vaccine and there's no other treatment that can prevent a person developing
Zika.
9.
Can Zika virus be transmitted to others?
Zika virus infection is transmitted
by mosquitoes. It can only be passed on in countries where the transmitting
mosquito lives, which include Africa, Asia, the Americas and parts of southern
Europe. It's clear that person-to-person transmission is very unlikely - but as
reported recently, sexual transmission might be possible.
10.
I'm pregnant and have recently visited an affected area - what should I do?
Even if you are well, you should
discuss this with your Obstetrician. They will be able to advise further about
the risks, although this is an area where we are learning more every day, and
the full facts are not yet known. It's likely that what your doctors will
decide to do is keep an extra close eye on you throughout your pregnancy, to
make sure that all is well. If you have recently come back from an affected
area and had, or have, symptoms suggesting a viral illness within the last 2-3
weeks, you should actively seek medical advice and state that you wish to be
tested for Zika.
11.
What are the tests for Zika virus infection?
There are blood and urine tests for
Zika virus, but they can only be done up to 2-3 weeks after developing
symptoms. The blood test in true infection is likely to be positive early on
the illness; the urine test may pick the virus up some weeks later. There is no
test currently available for people who have always remained well, or if the
symptoms were more than 2-3 weeks ago.
12.
Where can I find the latest information?
Find out more information about the
situation:
GeoBlue has dedicated, multilingual
resources available 24/7 for members in need of medical care and assistance
while visiting any of the areas where there has been an outbreak of Zika virus.
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