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Tag: CDC

Who’s Afraid of The Big Bad ZIKA Virus?

Posted on by john

ZIKA Virus?

That is the burning question these days! Zika virus has us wondering how will this summer play out. However, living in the low country, which just so happens to be the mosquito capital of the world AND spring is right around the corner we should probably try to answer that, and a few of your burning question! It is almost that time of the year when kids have ball games, families grill out, kids play outside, you or a friend may even be pregnant now those pesky little creatures are posing a major health risk. Before we panic and nobody goes outside all summer; let’s look at the questions everyone is asking.

So, what exactly is the ZIKA virus?

Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus.

How is Zika spread?

Zika is spread through the bite of an infected  Aedes mosquito. The Aedes mosquito is found mostly in tropical and subtropical climates. However, they have been brought to the U.S. through the used tire trade and are now found on all continents except Antarctica.

What are the symptoms of the Zika virus?

According to the CDC, 1 in 5 people infected with the virus will become sick. For some people, their symptoms may be so mild they may not even know they are ill. For others, symptoms may include rash, joint pain, fever, and conjunctivitis. Typically, symptoms begin 2-7 days after a person is bitten with an infected mosquito. If you have these symptoms and suspect you have been bitten by an infected mosquito contact your health care provider immediately.

Whom does the Zika virus affect?

If you have traveled to a country where the virus is present and you have not been infected you could potentially be at risk.

Pregnant women are at risk. The virus can cause serious birth defects in unborn babies. At this point many of the exact birth defects caused by the virus are unknown. However, there are many reports of babies being born with a condition called, microcephaly. Microcephaly occurs when a baby’s head is notably smaller than the rest of his body.

Is the Zika virus preventable?

The best way to avoid becoming infected with the virus is not get bit by an infected mosquito. Living in the low country, that is easier said than done! SO with that being said some steps you can take are:

  • Apply and reapply repellent as needed
  • Stay in places with air condition and keep mosquitoes outside
  • Call Exclusive Pest Control to see if your home qualifies for an Exclusive Barrier Mosquito Treatment

Want to know more about the Zika virus? Keep coming back to our blog for updates. We will keep you posted as we get them. Also, check out these websites for more information!

http://www.cdc.gov/zika/disease-qa.html

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/01/what-to-know-about-zika-virus/424194/

I’m Pregnant! What Do I Need to Know About the Zika Virus?

Posted on by john

You recently received the best news ever! Your family is expanding! You are pregnant!

You and your husband have been looking at baby clothes, creating a registry, making the nursery perfect. The subject of baby proofing your home even came up. How can you baby proof against the Zika virus?

The World Health Organization recently declared the Zika virus an international public health emergency. They have estimated that as many as four million people may become infected by the end of the year. The Center for Disease Control has cautioned pregnant women from traveling to numerous countries where the Zika virus is rampant, (you can access that list at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information).

The virus is linked to birth defects, such as, microcephaly and brain damage. If you have traveled to a region that is on this list and are pregnant you should get tested for the Zika virus.

For most people, the symptoms of the Zika virus are so mild that most people do not even know that they are infected. Health care providers and scientists alike are mainly concerned with the effect the virus has on pregnant women and their unborn children. Some women who have become infected during pregnancy have experienced temporary paralysis which scientist find disturbing.

The Zika virus is typically spread when an infected Asian Tiger mosquito bites a person. However, there has been a report of infection being spread through a blood transfusion and one through sex. The virus was found in semen.

Microcephaly is the most common birth defect associated with the Zika virus. Microcephaly is a condition in which babies have considerably small heads and damaged brains. During pregnancy the baby’s brain doesn’t develop, as it should. In some instances the brain totally stops developing within the first few years. Children with microcephaly may experience developmental delays, hearing loss, and learning difficulties. In October, doctors in northern Brazil noticed an increase in babies born with microcephaly. However, the Zika virus is not the only cause of microcephaly. Other causes can be German measles, diabetes, poor nutrition, alcohol abuse, and toxoplasmosis to name a few.

The CDC recommends that women who are pregnant and recently visited a country with the Zika virus consult their healthcare professional. If a pregnant woman has visited a country with the virus and begins to experience Zika virus symptoms the CDC suggests they return for a blood test. At this time the blood test is only accurate for a week after exposure. A test for Zika antibodies can be administered later.

One of the million dollar questions seems to be, does it matter when in pregnancy a woman is infected? The first trimester of pregnancy is most crucial to brain development. Scientists are unsure at this time how the virus enters the bloodstream of the fetus and damages development. Viruses such as West Nile are closely related and do not cause such traumatic damage.

Doctors, as well as, the Federal Health officials are recommending that babies born to mothers who have experienced symptoms of the virus, visited/lived in a country that has Zika outbreak, or the mother tests positive for the virus. Even if the child does not have microcephaly, the baby may have other defects related to the virus, like hearing and vision impairments.

Currently, there is no treatment, vaccine, or cure for the Zika virus. The symptoms are so mild most people do not even know they are sick. Doctors recommend rest, hydration, healthy diet, and support.

If you are pregnant and considering traveling or just want to have a fun low country summer, do your research! Check out these websites and articles.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/health/what-is-zika-virus.html?_r=0

 http://www.cdc.gov/zika/hc-providers/qa-pregnant-women.html

 http://www.babycenter.com.my/a25017907/zika-in-pregnancy

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