For pregnant women, the Zika virus infection could have life-long impacts on newborn babies by causing microcephaly, a congenital condition that causes the baby’s brain to develop improperly.
How does the Zika virus spread?
Zika virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito, also known to cause dengue fever and chikungunya virus. The insect lives both indoors and outside, and can breed in tiny amounts of water – as little as might collect in a bottle cap.
Who’s at risk?
Those most vulnerable are people, especially pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant, who live or are traveling in affected areas.
The first trimester of pregnancy is the highest-risk period for infection, Bell said, citing available information on fetal brain development and on other infectious causes of congenital malformations.
What are the symptoms?
Again, these tend to be mild and flu-like: headaches, fever, joint pain, rash and red eyes. Most individuals fully recover from infection, although it can be life-threatening in extreme cases.
There is no vaccine or medical treatment currently available for Zika. The WHO and the CDC recommend rest, plenty of fluids and acetaminophen for fever and pain.
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