Zika Virus
Transmitted through mosquito bites, the same mosquitoes may also spread Yellow Fever and Dengue.
Recently there have been cases of Zika virus spreading from men to their partners through sexual contact.
Symptoms include fever, rash,joint and muscle pain, conjuntivitis and headache.
Symptomas are usually mild, resolve on their own and require no or little treatment.
However, babies born to women infected with Zika virus may have small heads (microcephaly) and other disorders affecting the nervous system.
No vaccine is available currently.
To reduce the risk of contracting Zika virus when travelling to and from Zika – affected countries i.e Brazil, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Carribean:
- Pregnant women and women who plan to get pregnant should not travel. If you must, take every precaution to avoid mosquito bites.
- Take malaria prevention if travelling to a malaria area as symptoms may be similar.
- On return monitor your health for at least 12 days. Seek medical attention immediately should you develop a fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, (conjuntivitis) red eyes and headaches.
- Men who travel to a Zika –affected country and whose partner is pregnant should always use a condom or not have sex during the pregnancy.