The WHO has activated an epidemiological alert on the dangers of the Zika virus and the United States recommends that pregnant women not travel to countries affected by this virus, which is spreading worryingly in Latin America.
Brazil is one of the countries where the situation is most acute, and where the outbreak seems to have started. In 2015, 3,500 babies born with a small head (microcephaly) were registered because of this virus when the average number of cases in 2014 was somewhat less than 150.
What is the Zika virus?
Zika virus is transmitted by mosquito bites Aedes aegypti, also bearer of dengue and Chikungunya. It was first identified in 1947 in Uganda, specifically in the forests of Zika, hence its name.
Not much is known about the way in which the infection is transmitted. And although it is the mosquito that infects people by biting them, there is also evidence of transmission by sex and blood, although both are rare forms of spread.
From the moment of the bite they can pass between three and 12 days of incubation, although after this period, not all people develop symptoms. Only one in four people.
The symptoms are not especially severe in adults. It produces mild fever, red spots on the body, conjunctivitis, muscle pain, weakness. Other less frequent symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and lack of appetite.
But if the bite occurs in a pregnant woman, the consequences for the developing baby are very serious. Although they are still studying the effects on the fetus, it has been known that causes severe malformations and affects brain development.
So far, there is no vaccine to prevent infection or specific medicines to treat the disease.
Countries affected by the Zika virus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has issued a Level 2 out of 3 travel alert for 14 Latin American countries affected by Zika virus infections: Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Martinique, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
The CDC does not include Ecuador, Guyana, and San Martin Island, but the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) does include these countries in its list of those affected by the virus. It is believed that there are already 24 countries affected.
In Spain, no travel alert has been issued by the health authorities. So far, the Ministry of Health has issued a document in which it is recommended to avoid contagion in pregnant women and consult a doctor in case of traveling, but seeing the recommendations of other countries, prevention is better than cure.
What dangers does it pose for pregnant women?
International organizations recommend that women who are pregnant or plan to be avoid moving to these areas. In case of not being able to postpone the trip, they recommend consulting with the doctor the steps to follow to avoid mosquito bites.
Zika virus crosses the placenta and affects the development of the baby's brain causing microcephaly, a much smaller head growth than normal. According to the Government of Brazil, Zika virus has been found in the brains of two newborns and also in the placentas of two mothers who had an abortion.
They believe that there may be a high risk of problems if the pregnant woman is infected by the virus during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Because of this outbreak, decisions are being made on the fly, as well as conducting tests and research about the extent of this virus, attempts are made to improve diagnoses and develop guides and public information campaigns.
Via | The world
Photo | iStockphoto
More information | Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization
In Babies and more | Worrying increase in babies born with a small head because of the Zika virus
