Zika - a new mosquito-borne virus - has caused worldwide concern. It's an alarming condition with rapid speed. What is Zika? How does it affect your health? Why should you be worried?
Margaret Chan, World Health Organization Director- General, expressed her concern - calling Zika virus as an extraordinary event. She declared a public health emergency due to its widespread.
Aedes Aegypti mosquito has spread Zika virus in more than 30 countries around the globe. World Health Organization estimates the virus will infect 4 millions of people in America.
Zika virus may be passed down from a mother to her fetus. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many officials have been alerted to inform women to avoid pregnancy up to two years. Experts advise pregnant women who recently traveled to countries with Zika - to consult with their healthcare provider to conduct necessary health tests.
It's still uncertain how Zika can cause pregnancy loss or miscarriage but a recent report in the United States found a link of Zika virus to microcephaly - an abnormal brain condition. A pregnant woman in Colombia was sent to hospital straight after she experienced rash and fever - typical signs of Zika.
Most common symptoms of Zika include rash, fever, red eyes, joint pain, headache and muscle pain. The incubation period of the virus is still not known but it could take few days to one week after being bitten by Zika-infected mosquito. Most people who are infected by Zika, don't realize it because it does not cause terrible illness as death caused by Zika virus is a rare case.
Homeowners can get rid of standing water at home, particularly the ones outside the house in garbage, plant pots or trays. Water that sits more than five days is an ideal breeding place for these mosquitoes.