In February, the World Health Organization said it is encouraging countries to conduct further trials of genetically modified mosquitoes to help tackle emerging illnesses such as Zika.
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Women who become infected or who have traveled to those countries should wait eight weeks after returning or after symptoms disappear to become pregnant. Cases have been also reported in the U.S., in several European countries and Asia.
However, following large outbreaks of Zika virus in French Polynesia in 2013 and in Brazil past year, studies have increasingly suggested a link between infection during pregnancy and microcephaly.
Foundation is launching a Zika virus education initiative in Puerto Rico that will encourage women to consult pharmacists and physicians about ways to protect themselves and their unborn children.
The recent scientific consensus is that Zika causes microcephaly, a form of severe brain damage in newborns, and adult-onset neurological problems such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which can cause paralysis and death. The connection between Zika and microcephaly came to light last fall in Brazil, which has now confirmed more than 1,100 cases of microcephaly that it considers to be related to Zika infections in the mothers.
The NACDS Foundation typically focuses on fostering evidence-based research through strategic partnerships and chose to assist in Zika prevention education after discussions with public health authorities.
Their discovery will be a relief for public health authorities tackling the spread of the virus in South America, who have complained about the lack of standardized diagnostic tests.
Dr. Peter Norton, medical authority for the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District, reminded Abilene area residents on Monday that removal of mosquito breeding areas and personal protection are the only actions available against the virus.
Since there is now no vaccine available to help prevent the virus, the best thing that can be done to protect yourself from the virus is prevention, Andreadis said.
Symptoms of the virus are normally mild, and they commonly include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis.
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It has advised countries not to accept blood donations from people who have visited Zika-affected regions. “We do know that chemicals in our sweat seem to attract mosquitos to some people more than others, so it isn’t a fable that you can be a mosquito magnet in that case”, Waldvogel said.
