The Zika Virus: What You Need to Know
VietPress USA (Jan. 28, 2016): We just received this topic highlighted from the White House on the spreading of the Zika Virus. Please read it and protect you and your beloved ones from this Zika Virus disease.
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The Zika Virus: What You Need to Know
JANUARY 28, 2016 AT 9:01 AM ET BY AMY POPE
Summary: Here are a few answers to some questions that many
Americans may have about the Zika disease and who it could impact.
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President Obama receives an update on our response to the Zika virus
President Barack Obama convenes a meeting on the Zika virus, in the Situation Room of the White House, Jan. 26, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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If you've been thinking about traveling to warmer climates or
have been catching a few news stories, you may have heard about something
called the Zika virus -- a disease spread primarily through mosquito bites.
Zika causes mild illness in some, however, we are closely
tracking and responding to recent outbreaks of this virus because the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC) issued reports that indicate Zika may be linked to
serious birth defects in babies of mothers who were infected with this virus
while pregnant.
While this virus is not new, it is new to the Americas. The
first case was reported in Brazil just last spring. Since that time, it has
spread through South and Central America, and the Caribbean. No locally
transmitted Zika cases from mosquitoes have been reported in the continental
U.S., but cases have been reported in travelers returning from areas where Zika
is present. As Zika continues to spread in our region, the number of cases
among travelers visiting or returning to the U.S. is likely to increase.
As a mother, I know how important it is to have all the
information you need to keep yourself and your family healthy and safe. There
is still much we don’t know about this virus. To help keep you up-to-date as we
learn more, we have all the latest updates you need in one place:
www.cdc.gov/Zika.
Here are a few answers to questions many Americans may have
about the virus, how it spreads, and who is at risk.
What is the Zika virus?
The Zika virus is spread primarily through the bite of an
infected mosquito. These are the same mosquitoes that spread other viruses like
dengue and chikungunya. Only about one in five people infected with the Zika
virus will feel sick. In those that do, symptoms are usually mild and can
include fever, rash, joint pain and red eye.
Learn more about symptoms and diagnosis here.
How is Zika transmitted?
Zika is primarily spread to people through the bite of
infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to
her baby during pregnancy, though we do not know how often that transmission
occurs.
Where are people contracting Zika?
People are contracting Zika in areas where Aedes mosquitoes
are present, which include South America, Central America and the Caribbean. As
the CDC notes, specific areas where the Zika virus is being transmitted are
likely to change over time, so please check here for the most updated
information.
Who is at risk of being infected?
Anyone who is living in or traveling to an area where the
virus is found is at risk for infection.
Why are there specific recommendations for pregnant women?
There may be a link between a serious birth defect called
microcephaly -- a condition in which a baby's head is smaller than expected--
and other poor pregnancy outcomes and a Zika infection in a mother during
pregnancy. While the link between Zika and these outcomes is being investigated
the CDC recommends that you take special precautions if you fall into one of
these groups:
If you are pregnant (in any trimester):
You should consider postponing travel to any area where the
Zika virus is active.
If you must travel to an active region, talk to your doctor
first and follow the steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.
If you are trying to become pregnant:
Before you travel, talk to your doctor about your plans to
become pregnant and the risks posed from infection.
If you fall into one of these groups, the CDC has provided
thorough information on what you should do here.
What can I do to prevent a Zika infection?
Right now, there is no vaccine to prevent this disease. The
best way to prevent diseases by mosquitoes is to protect yourself from getting
bitten. Here’s how:
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window, door
screens, and netting to keep mosquitoes outside.
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect
repellents. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and
effectiveness.
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase
permethrin-treated items.
Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside
and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
You can get a more in-depth explanation of prevention
measures from the CDC here.
Should we be concerned about Zika in the United States?
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| World map of the Countries infected with Zika Virus |
The U.S. mainland does have Aedes species mosquitoes that can
become infected with and spread Zika virus. U.S. travelers who visit a country
where Zika is found could become infected if bitten by a mosquito.
With the recent outbreaks in the Americas, the number of Zika
virus disease cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States
will likely increase. These imported cases may result in local spread of the
virus in some areas of the United States. CDC has been monitoring these
epidemics and is prepared to address cases imported into the United States and
cases transmitted locally.
The President recently met with CDC Director Dr. Thomas
Frieden and his other health and national security advisors to discuss the
potential spread of the Zika virus in the U.S. He emphasized the need to accelerate
research efforts to make available diagnostic tests, to develop vaccines and
therapeutics, and to ensure that all Americans have information about the Zika
virus and steps they can take to better protect themselves.
You can stay up-to-date on all the latest information here: www.cdc.gov/zika
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