Other countries, other afflictions
South America – the Zika virus
Since last year, in light of the upcoming Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the Zika virus has gained a great amount of attention in the media as well as scientific research. The virus is mainly transmitted via mosquitos and has been found in approximately 60 countries, primarily in Central and South American areas. Even though the virus was discovered in 1947, it has caught scientists’ attention once more in 2015. Within the last few years, noticeable amount of babies in Brazil have been born with microcephaly. This condition is known for a skull deformation, where the skull and brain are visibly smaller than average. According to the definition of microcephaly, the condition is diagnosed if the skull’s circumference is outside of the three percentile ranges of an average circumference for the baby’s age, sex and ethnic group. This would mean, that two percent of the average population would have a head that is too small. What matters for this diagnosis is that the characteristics are visible upon birth and after being monitored over time. For taking exact measurements in regular intervals, you can use the seca 212 measuring tape, which offers precise and easy to understand data. The information is then transferred into a percentile curve resulting in a head growth curve. This curve offers important information for diagnostic planning and further procedures. Studies have shown that microcephaly cases in Brazil were related to a Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Current findings have proven that the risk of becoming infected is especially high during the first two trimesters.
What are the symptoms of the Zika virus?
Most patients infected with the Zika virus will only have very mild symptoms to no symptoms. The most common signs are a skin rash, head and rheumatic pains, conjunctivitis and fever. After being infected, the symptoms will usually occur within 3 to 12 days and last for about a week. Treatment at a hospital is usually not necessary.
How can I protect myself from the Zika virus?
Pregnant women should avoid travelling to regions at risk. If the journey is unavoidable, a tropical medicine council is recommended and the patient’s gynecologist should be consulted. For all travellers we recommend an all-day mosquito protection by way of mosquito nets and repellants. In isolated cases the virus has also been transmitted sexually. Protect yourself from the Zika virus and other sexually transmitted diseases by avoiding unprotected intercourse.
Contact opnemen met persafdeling
Contact.
seca persafdeling.
Are you from the press and would like to request information about our company or our products? You can contact our press office directly using the e-mail form.
The fields marked with an asterisk (*) must be filled out. All other information is provided voluntarily.