Zika Virus

Zika Virus is a virus that is spread by mosquito bites.  It can cause fever, rash, red eyes and joint pain.  It is treated with rest and fluids.  There has been some concern that this virus can be associated with problems during pregnancy including miscarriage and babies with microcephaly (smaller heads/brain tissue.) This is an ongoing situation and more research is being done.

Current recommendations are to avoid travel to areas where this virus is common.  This includes: Cape Verde, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and South Africa.  A travel advisory has been issued by the CDC for : Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guyana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.  This list is constantly being updated.  If traveling to oubreak areas wear long sleeve shirts and pants outside, stay inside if possible with air conditioning, wear bug spray with DEET and drain standing water.

More resources:

www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65wr/mm6502el.htm

Womens Health Specialists recommends that pregnant women do not travel to these areas.  If you have concerns, please come in and talk to us or give us a call.