New Threat: Zika Virus,Causing Birth Defects

   

A mosquito borne disease has been linked to several birth defects in the US.There are 31 confirmed diagnoses of the mosquito-borne illness, believed to cause birth defects, in the United States. 
All of them are believed to have caught the infection, which is transferred by the Aedes mosquito, while traveling in the Caribbean or Latin America where there are outbreaks of the tropical illness.
 

How it spreads: 

Zika virus is spread to people via mosquito bites.

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivtis.

Infected patients are typically ill for a few days to a week.

While the illness is generally mild, some experts in Brazil have suggested a possible link between the virus in pregnant women and subsequent birth defects.

The CDC said recently it is aware of reports of increased numbers of babies born with microcephaly, or smaller than expected head size, in Brazil.

The Ministry of Health in Brazil is concerned about a possible association between the Zika virus and increased numbers of babies born with microcephaly.

How to prevent it:  

There is no vaccine to prevent, or medicine to treat Zika virus.

Travellers can protect themselves by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites, such as using a mosquito net and wearing insect repellent. 

Pregnant women are being warned to avoid travelling to 22 countries were outbreaks have been reported.  

Source: CDC