[Updated in February 11th, 2016]

A somewhat not so new mosquito virus called Zika is prompting worldwide concern and getting everyone’s attention because of how it might have connection to a neurological birth disorder and the rapid spread of the virus across the globe. Since Brazil is one of the affected areas we decided to write this article for those who are planning to come to our country any time soon. Check it out:

Zika virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family and is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites such as Aedes. Nowadays more than 20 countries have been affected, mostly in Latin America.

Countries and territories with active Zika virus transmission

Source: Dailymail UK

The mosquito rarely comes into contact with people because it thrives in built up areas, laying its eggs near places with stagnant water such as gutters, pools, flower pots and tires. In Brazil, the virus usually affects poor areas of the country, especially the Northeast. Due to  irregular water distribution, many people, especially in poorer areas collect water in tanks… creating ideal breeding grounds for the mosquitoes.

Symptoms:

Deaths are very rare and only one in five people infected is thought to develop any symptoms so unless you’re pregnant zika is not considered very harmful.

Most infections do not result in symptoms but the most common symptoms may include:

– mild fever

– conjunctivitis (red, sore eyes)

– headache

– joint pain

– rashes

In December 2015, it was suspected that a transplacental infection of the fetus may lead to microcephaly and brain damageand since there have been reports of congenital microcephaly in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. The link with Zika has not been confirmed but a small number of babies who died had the virus in their brain and no other explanation for the surge in microcephaly has been suggested. Nowadays in Brazil, in the worst affected area, about 1% of newborns have suspected microcephaly.

A rare nervous system disorder, Guillain-Barre syndrome, that can cause temporary paralysis has been linked to the infection but just like the fetus with microcephaly’s case there is not an official confirmation that such things happen because of the virus.

There is no vaccine or drug treatment. Patients are advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

What can you do if you are in Brazil?

Since there is no no vaccine or drug treatment the only available solution is to reduce the risks of being bitten. Health Officials highly advise people to:

– use insect repellents

– cover up with long-sleeved clothes

– keep windows and doors closed

– empty buckets and flower pots

Ps:. Some centers for Disease Control have advised pregnant women not to travel to affected areas.

Do you think you have Zika?

If you have symptoms such as fever, a rash, joint pain or red eyes, which developed either on holiday or when you return, then you should speak to a doctor.

It is advised to take medicine to relief fever and pain. Although you shouldn’t take aspirin or ibuprofen.

You should get lots of rest and drink at least 2 liters of water per day.

President Obama talks about Zika Virus:

In a wide-ranging conversation conducted as part of Super Bowl celebrations, President Obama spoke to “CBS This Morning” co-host Gayle King inside the Oval Office about Zika virus:

“The good news is this is not like Ebola, people don’t die of Zika – a lot of people get it and don’t even know that they have it,” Mr. Obama said. “What we now know though is that there appears to be some significant risk for pregnant women or women who are thinking about getting pregnant.”

“While the health community doesn’t know the exact relation between the virus and how it impacts unborn babies,” President Obama said.

“And so we are going to be putting up a legislative proposal to Congress to resource both the research on vaccines and diagnostics but also helping in terms of public health systems. …But there shouldn’t be panic on this. This is not something where people are going to die from it…” he said.

You can check the whole conversation here 

Useful information for travelers:

Visit CDC’s Travelers Health website

Visit the White House website

Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers 

Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas & Other Insects and Arthropods.