Fun Fact Friday – Zika Virus
- The Zika Virus has become a growing concern, especially with pregnant women. Those infected may give birth to babies with microcephaly, a disorder that leads to babies born with abnormally small heads and severe brain damage.
- The New England Journal of Medicine, shows a staggering jump in the risk rate if a mother is infected with Zika in the first trimester.
- Symptoms of the virus include muscle aches, a rash and pink eye or conjunctivitis.
- Pregnant women should reach out to their doctors for more information, as not everyone knows if they’ve contracted the virus.
- In adults the Zika Virus has been linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological auto-immune disease that can cause paralysis and death.
- Beware, the mosquito that carries Zika doesn’t travel very far during its lifetime. The species that carries Zika tend to live right around homes.
- Prevent or avoid mosquito breeding. Health officials ask residents to remove or dump anything that holds standing water, including bird baths, old tires, gutters, potted plants and children’s toys.
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect from mosquito bites.