Zika in Northern Virginia

Northern Virginia has become the latest to report confirmed cases of the Zika virus. The disease known to be transmitted from the bite of an infected mosquito is increasingly making way across the United States. However, you don’t necessarily have to be the one that’s bitten to become a victim. The debilitating virus is also know to be transmitted via sexual activity.

2 New Cases of Zika Virus Reported in Northern Virginia

Virginia saw two new cases of the Zika virus reported this week, both of them in the Northern Virginia region, according to the Virginia Department of Health. That brings the total number of cases reported in the Commonwealth to 20. The total number of cases in the territorial United States is at 618 as of Thursday and of those, 195 are pregnant women.

The obvious concern is how this mosquito borne virus is contributing to microcephaly, an abnormality to the size of the head that results in restricted brain development. Expectant mothers are being warned that venturing to any parts of the world currently affected by the virus should be avoided and all precautions and protective measures are taken against mosquitoes. This video reports on when the first cases in Virginia came to the headlines, but also provides some useful information about the virus.

Zika Symptoms During Pregnancy Are Easy To Detect, If You’re Symptomatic

With news of Zika virus spreading across the United States, women who are pregnant — or planning on it — have been growing worried. While Zika is relatively harmless to most people infected with it, it can do serious damage to unborn fetuses, causing microcephaly and other neurological disorders.

What preventative measures are you taking? Are you making sure that your home is the safest place to be and that your mosquito control is in order.  Whether you are planning to have a baby or are already expecting a new arrival, you need to make sure you are protected. It’s everyone’s responsibility to play their part in the fight against Zika.