Zika Virus Symptoms and Prevention

The Zika virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, moving from person to person, spreading the virus among humans. Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis.

Zika virus (Zika) is a disease transmitted by mosquito bites and sexual contact (in semen). Infection with Zika may cause symptoms including fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. Zika infection is usually asymptomatic and only rarely leads to severe illness. Infants born to mothers infected with Zika virus may suffer major negative birth outcomes, such as microcephaly, neurological disorders, vision & hearing deficits, and impaired growth. Because of this, women who are pregnant, or considering becoming pregnant, are of particular concern for preventing Zika infection. Some cases have occurred through sexual contact, but most infected Americans contracted the virus while traveling to regions of the world with high rates of local transmission.

The most important steps to minimize your risk of contracting Zika include:

• Avoid travel to areas of active Zika transmission, or take precautionary measures while abroad.
• Consistently use condoms or abstain from sex with partners who might have the virus. This includes anyone who has traveled to an area of active Zika transmission, even if they don’t have symptoms.
• Take steps to prevent mosquito bites. This includes using insect repellant, wearing long sleeves, and avoiding mosquito breeding sites such as areas of standing water.
• It is crucial that women who are pregnant, or who may become pregnant, follow these precautions against contracting Zika. Unborn babies are at the greatest risk for adverse health effects from the virus

https://youtu.be/A1_SiG0yEUw