The Zika Virus: What is it?

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You may not have heard of the Zika Virus, which is a similar strain to West Nile, Dengue or Yellow Fever, but with fewer and more mild symptoms.  This virus has no vaccine as yet, but scientists are working to create one, as well as to control the mosquito population that is spreading the virus through areas of Central and South America, Africa, the Caribbean and Oceania.

Zika is a bloodbourne virus primarily spread by the Aedes mosquito but can also be contracted through human to human blood contact.  The primary danger posed by the virus is the link between the virus and its ability to cross from a pregnant mother to her child, which can cause potentially fatal microcephaly(an abnormally small head).  It is recommended travellers who are pregnant or who may become pregnant not travel to infected areas.

The primary ways to avoid being infected with Zika if you are travelling in areas with known outbreaks (check the CDC for latest information) are wearing insect repellant, sleeping in screened or netted areas, and if possible wearing garments that cover most of your skin.  If you should contract it, it is recommended to avoid mosquito bites, intercourse, and any blood to blood transmission during the following week so you don’t pass the virus on.

For more information regarding the virus, check the CDC site.  Outbreaks of Zika have been found as far reaching as Denmark, Australia, UK, Italy, Spain, & Switzerland due to international travel as well as the spread of the Aedes genus with the rise of international trade and shipping routes.

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