Zika, What We Know
“Until people appreciated that it could cause birth defects, no one was interested in Zika”
~Unknown
In keeping with my recent run on topics related to the Olympics, I would like to talk today about one of the more serious stories underlying the events of the XXXI Olympiad. The Zika Virus is under investigation as a possible cause for serious birth defects to children born to women who became infected during pregnancy. The virus is known to be carried by the Asian Tiger mosquito, a very aggressive little blighter that is active day or night and is recognizable by the stripes on the body of the insect. As with any illness, education is a key link in the prevention of that disease and the Zika virus is no exception. Many people think that the Zika virus is strictly a tropical illness and by in large it is but there have been confirmed cases not only here in Indiana but all throughout the Midwest. So, what do we know?
The Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 and the first known case of human infection was seven years later in Nigeria, 1954. Since then the spread of the virus has been primarily to tropical locations throughout the globe. The symptoms of the Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, muscle pain, headaches, pain behind the eyes, and vomiting. Sounds like a party I would like to miss. As I said, the virus is transmitted via Asian Tiger mosquito and it is also transmitted via sexual transmission. The great danger of this virus is that pregnant women who become infected can pass the virus onto their unborn fetus which could lead to possible birth defects. To compound the issue is that only 20% to 25 % of people who contract this virus actually exhibit the symptoms of carrying the virus so a person who is infected could pass it to their partner without ever realizing it.
How to fight against Zika. The best defense against the Zika virus is to not travel to known outbreak zones but if you are in an area that is known to have Zika virus active, take precaution against getting bitten by mosquitos. Since the primary transmission is via mosquito, the use of mosquito repellents and the wearing of long sleeve shirts and pants are great deterrents against mosquitos. For sexually active people who have been in known areas of activity of the Zika virus, a period of abstinence for 30 days after leaving the area of Zika activity or the use of condoms during sex can act as a preventative measure as well. As the Olympics are held in Rio this year, thousands of healthy female athletes (not to mention the spectators) will be exposed to this virus and the question has been put forth what if someone gets the Zika virus and hopes to have children? The CDC recommends that the women wait at least 8 weeks after visiting an area of known Zika activity before trying to conceive as well as discussing at length with your doctor your concerns.
As we enter this last week of the Olympic games and as the thousands of athletes and their families travel to all points of the planet back to their homes, there is sure to be a spike in Zika virus spreading to points unknown to the virus. The best defense is to be aware and informed about the illness, there are dozens of excellent websites for further information if you are so inclined. I hope everyone has a great week moving forward and for all those heading back to school this week, good luck. As always, thanks for reading, take care of yourself and each other, remember, we’re all in this together.
Wm Reid
Best Home Care Services
325 N Eastern Ave
Connersville, IN 47331
765-827-9833
wmreid@bhcshealth.com