Young women have been asking experts at Southwest Memorial Hospital about traveling to countries that are combating outbreaks of zika virus and possibly associated cases of microcephaly.
In Brazil, the spread of zika, a relatively mild virus that causes a rash and joint pain, has been associated with an increase in the number of women who give birth to children with microcephaly caused by abnormal brain development.
Therefore, women who are already pregnant need to be especially cautious about traveling to countries where the virus is prevalent, said Marc Meyer a pharmacy practice and infection preventionist at Southwest Memorial.
The link between the virus and the microcephaly is not fully understood, and less than 50 percent of the children with microcephaly are testing positive for it.
“They are still unsure whether there is another factor involved,” he said.
There no research suggesting zika poses the risk of birth defects in future pregnancies, according to the Centers of Disease Control.
However, travelers headed to South America, Central America or the Caribbean should discuss the trip with their doctor and try to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes that carry zika, he said.
There is no vaccine available for the disease.
The CDC advises using an insect repellent and knowing how often to reapply it. The agency suggests wearing long-sleeved shirt and pants and sleeping under a mosquito net if you are outside.
Men need to be conscientious of the disease as well because they can sexually transmit the disease to their partner, he said.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
