With winter in full swing, it's safe to say we're all thinking about our tropical destinations for Spring break. We would all love to be lying on the beach in our bathing suits, not worrying about school whatsoever. But, recently the CDC has issued a travel warning for several tropical countries concerning a new virus outbreak that can cause severe problems in the fetus of pregnant women.
According to the CDC, the Zika Virus can be spread to humans through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are usually harmless in the United State but in the countries that are infected, they can cause this viral infection. The symptoms of the virus include rash, fever, joint pain and red eyes. The symptoms are mild but the long term effects for pregnant women are life changing. Women who are pregnant in any trimester should consider postponing trips to the countries infected as the Zika Virus can cause microcephaly. The countries to look out for include Barbados, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guadaloupe, St. Martin, Guyana, Somoa, the South Pacific, Cape Verde, and now the US Virgin Islands according to this NY Times article.
The virus is spread through mosquito bites, which come from the same mosquitoes who spread dengue fever. The mosquitoes typically live near water and prefer to bite humans. The virus is rarely spread from mother to newborn but the transmission from mother to fetus is currently being investigated, according to this CDC article.
Microcephaly, according to this CDC article, is a condition where a baby is born with a head much smaller than normal. When a baby is in the womb their head grows as does their brain. Microcephaly can occur when the baby's brain is not growing properly or it can even stop growing after birth. Some complications caused by microcephaly include seizures, developmental delay, intellectual disability and much more. Microcephaly has no cure and is a lifelong condition.
There is no vaccine for the Zika Virus yet. If you or someone you know are pregnant and traveling to any of the countries with the virus should consider postponing the trip and talking with a doctor to learn how to avoid mosquito bites. Although we would all love to travel to these beautiful countries, it is incredibly important to stay safe especially pregnant women. Postponing these trips until after the baby is born is the best option. If you want to know more about this virus, the complications it causes, treatment or prevention please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
