The Zika Virus actually is not a new disease, and it was actually first discovered in the 1940s. However, it was isolated to countries located in Africa. However, it began to spread to other areas of the world. In recent times, it’s spread into regions of Latin America, such as Brazil. In Brazil, Dr. Sergio Cortes is studying the virus and it’s effects on people. Dr. Cortes and other doctors are in agreement that the virus generally does resolve on it’s own, without being medically treated. However, if it is a pregnant woman that catches the virus, the unborn baby can often suffer severe consequences. In fact, it can lead to a condition called microcephaly, which can cause severe cognitive birth defects. There is also suspicion in the medical community that the Zika Virus can lead to Guillian Barre Syndrome in unborn children.
Doctor Sergio Cortes believes that pregnant women need to take measures to avoid contracting this virus. He recommends that pregnant women are careful to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. There are certain hours that are associated with higher mosquito activity, and pregnant women should stay indoors during these times, if possible. Also, pregnant women should wear clothing that works well to prevent bug bites. Insect repellents can also be effective at preventing mosquito bites. Also, screens should be placed on windows that effectively keep mosquitos out of the living quarters of pregnant women.
If a pregnant women notices any troubling symptoms, immediate medical attention is crucial, according to Dr. Cortes. Often times, the symptoms of the Zika Virus are somewhat subtle, and they can be easily confused with other more mundane illnesses. So, medical attention is warranted, even when pregnant woman is experiencing the symptoms in a mild way. Although doctors cannot use any objective tests to determine if someone has the Zika Virus, they can recognize if one is, in fact, displaying it’s symptoms.
The Zika Virus has become startlingly common in Brazil. This virus has been infecting Brazilians since mid-2015. During these months, more than a thousand people have had Zika Virus related complications. The microcephaly that the Zika Virus can cause is not only capable of causing serious mental impairment of infants, but it can also be fatal to babies. In fact, there has already been a case of infant mortality caused by the Zika Virus.
The Zika Virus presents a very serious health concern. Despite it’s deceptively mild symptoms, it presents a very serious health risk to pregnant women. It has already been implicated by the World Health Organization as being a cause of very severe birth defects. The virus has also become scarily common in Brazil, and it has been implicated in cases of birth defects in the country.
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