By: Jenna Beresheim News Editor
In May 2015, the first Zika virus infection in Brazil was confirmed, and since has spread to most of South America and Mexico.
Before this confirmation, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that the Zika virus was commonly found in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
The Zika virus is spread through mosquito bites and leads to symptoms such as fevers, joint pains, rashes, and red eyes.
Due to the transmissible nature of this virus the CDC has issued a Level 2 travel alert for individuals traveling to countries that may contain the virus. A Level 2 travel alert encourages travelers to practice enhanced precautions and understand the risks of traveling to certain countries for various reasons.
The virus will typically pass from an individual’s blood within a few days and rarely results in death or hospitalization. There is currently no vaccine for the Zika virus and those infected are urged to prevent further mosquito bites to spread the virus, as well as to rest and remain hydrated until it passes. The virus remains contagious in the bloodstream for up to a week.
Pregnant mothers that become infected with the virus risk their infant being born with a severe birth defect known as microcephaly. This defect results in a much smaller head than an average infant’s, often affecting the brain as a result.
Women who are currently pregnant or hoping to become pregnant soon are encouraged to stay out of areas with known cases of the Zika virus.
National Public Radio (NPR) reports that Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Jamaica have advised that women hold off on getting pregnant. El Salvador went as far as to urge women to hold back on having children until 2018.
Salvadoran law currently prohibits and criminalizes all abortion, on any grounds. However, the stance may be shifting in light of the Zika virus affecting newborns.
This may lead to more mothers finding their own methods of abortion, with the risk of serving time if caught.
“[The result would be] more clandestine abortions and a higher number of women being sent to jail,” predicts Angela Rivas, a Salvadoran abortion rights activist as reported by NPR.
Individuals are encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants as well as to stay in places that are air-conditioned and prepared to keep mosquitoes out with screened windows and doors. Apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent and never spray repellent directly onto the skin beneath clothing.
If travelling to countries with known cases of Zika virus, invest in mosquito netting for sleeping areas.
The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting on Monday, Feb. 1 to discuss what needs to be done to combat the virus that is rapidly spreading through the Americas.
“The people in these countries deserve the protection of the international community and the World Health Organization,” stated Lawrence Gostin, director of Georgetown’s O’Neill Institute, in a JAMA editorial.
According to Sylvain Aldighieri of the Pan American Health Organization with USA Today, the Americas could see three to four million infections a year.
“WHO officials want to make sure that nations don’t take inappropriate steps to limit travel or trade because of the virus,” stated Bruce Aylward, assistant director-general of the WHO. “During the Ebola outbreak, many countries closed their borders, which harmed the fragile economies of West Africa.”
