Zika Virus and Pregnancy Should I be worried?

Zika Virus disease is a mosquito-borne illness that is mainly transmitted by the bite of
an infected Aedes mosquito, the same mosquito which also transmits Dengue and
Chikungunya viruses. Aedes aegypi mosquitoes, which are mainly active during the
daytime, are found in tropical and subtropical zones around the world. Zika virus may be
passed from a pregnant woman to her foetus and may also be transmitted sexually in
unprotected sex.

The World Health Organisation has declared the Zika virus a global public health
emergency of international concern. Zika virus has been linked to thousands of babies
being born with underdeveloped brains. A state of emergency has been declared in
some areas around the world.

Zika virus outbreaks are occurring in multiple countries, especially in areas where the
Aedes mosquitoes are endemic. It has been reported in the South and Central America,
Mexico and the Caribbean region. Zika virus has also spread to Miami and Florida in the
USA and some parts of West Africa, Western Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Zika Virus disease is often very mild and usually most people infected with the virus will
not be symptomatic. For the few people who show signs of Zika infection, it is similar to
a case of the flu and presents with a fever, headaches, rash, itchiness, joint pain and
eye pain or redness. Symptoms may last several days to a week.

There is no specific medicine or vaccination to prevent Zika. It can be treated with

common medications such as paracetamol for any headaches or pain. However aspirin
and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided by pregnant women.
If you suspect that you have been infected by Zika virus, urine and blood samples can
be done for diagnosis. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for more information.

Although the illness may not sound deadly, Zika virus has emerged as a significant
global threat, especially to pregnancy. The infection of a pregnant woman with Zika virus
can cause pregnancy loss or a severe birth defect called microcephaly.

Microcephaly refers to a baby being born with an abnormally small head with effects on
the development of the growing baby. Microcephaly is a rare condition however it has
seen a rise in occurrence in pregnant women infected by Zika virus. Recent research
now shows that Zika may be associated with other severe developmental problems,
mental retardation in newborns and birth defects.

Current research suggests that Zika virus is also associated with Guillain-Barr
syndrome, a rare illness in which ones immune system attacks the nerve cells causing
damage to the nervous system. This results in muscle weakness and may lead to
paralysis. Some regions affected by Zika outbreaks have seen a recent rise in the
incidence of Guillain-Barr syndrome. Nevertheless, only a small fraction of people
infected with Zika get Guillain-Barr Syndrome.

Zika virus may be passed from a pregnant woman to her foetus and may also be
transmitted sexually through unprotected sex. Some of the virus reaches different body
fluids, such as saliva, urine, and semen. However this is in such small quantities that
the risk of transmission through these routes is low.

The best way to prevent Zika virus is by preventing mosquito bites. Pregnant women
should not travel to areas with Zika. Returning travelers infected with Zika can spread
the virus through mosquito bites.

Pregnant women should avoid visiting countries where there is active transmission of
the disease and must keep up to date with the list changing daily. It is important to be
aware of the possibility of transmission through sexual intercourse.

Preventive measures against mosquito bites should be taken especially during daytime
when the Aedes mosquitoes are most active.

These include the use of mosquito repellents on exposed skin, wearing long-sleeved
clothes and long trousers and using insect-screens in windows and doors or air-
conditioned rooms. It is also advised to empty any stagnant water where Aedes
mosquitoes may lay their eggs.

The WHO has declared Malta as moderate risk for Zika virus due to the presence of
mosquito vectors. It is necessary to know about the risk of Zika virus and its effects as
well how to prevent it. The main concern is about pregnant women being infected with
Zika and the potential consequences on their newborn babies.

If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant and are worried about Zika, talk
to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend that you have additional monitoring and
tests, if you are already pregnant.