The Zika virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1947. To date, there has been a number of outbreaks worldwide including in the US. Most people are afraid of the virus because of the impact it has on newborns. When there was an outbreak in Miami, pregnant mothers were told to avoid the state because infection could cause birth defects in their babies.

MOST CASES ARE ASYMPTOMATIC

Only one in five cases of Zika infections will show any symptoms. The most common symptoms of the virus include mild fever, joint pain, headache and a rash. Most people have the virus in their bloodstream but show no sign or symptom of infection. No treatment or vaccine is present When diagnosed with Zika virus, patients are usually advised to seek rest and also drink lots of fluids. There is currently no cure for the virus. The only huge concern as at now is the impact it has on unborn babies. However, there is still no vaccination against Zika virus.
Zika virus and microcephaly Microcephaly is a condition that affects infants where the brain fails to develop at a normal rate. The condition affects more than 25,000 children in the US every year.
Zika virus has been linked to cause microcephaly but the severity varies. There are children who survive but face intellectual disability and slow development. Zika virus was found in some of the babies who died due to microcephaly. The virus was present in the placenta and amniotic fluid.
Zika virus causes complications in pregnancy Scientists have linked Zika virus to a wide range of complications during pregnancy including miscarriage, premature birth and still birth. The virus is also linked to causing eye problems among babies. How to keep yourself safe Zika virus can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. That is why couples are advised to practice safe sex when in areas that are Zika-affected.
The World Health Organization is worried that Zika virus is becoming a public health concern because it is spreading fast. A lot of resources have been sidelined to help in researching more about the virus. Zika virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito, the same insect that is also known to spread dengue and chikungunya virus. The mosquitoes are often found in the Caribbean but rarely in areas that are too cold for them to survive such as Canada and Chile.