Zika Virus: Women in Brazil Encouraged to Delay Pregnancy

At the end of December, Brazil was issued with a high alert warning surrounding a mosquito-borne virus.

The Zika virus is thought to be the cause of  “microcephaly — a rare condition in which infants are born with shrunken skulls” of which 2,400 suspected cases were reported last year. Here’s an article we found with further information:-

 Brazil declares emergency after 2,400 babies are born with brain damage, possibly due to mosquito-borne virus

Brazilian health authorities are sounding the alarm about a mosquito-borne virus that they believe may be the cause of thousands of infants being born with damaged brains.

This is particularly terrifying, especially for many women in Brazil who are currently expecting a baby. So much so that women are encouraged to delay getting pregnant.

With no symptoms easily detectable, this is such a serious problem. Wherever we are in the world, we need to protect ourselves from mosquitoes. There have been no reported cases in the U.S to date, however, with the ease of travel it’s possible for the disease to spread so quickly, so be alert and be prepared.

Travellers urged to be vigilant after Zika virus outbreak

Luxembourg’s Health Ministry has urged travellers to be vigilant after an outbreak of a virus that could severely affect unborn babies. The Zika virus, which is spread via mosquito bites, has been widely reported a number of countries which serve as popular tourist destinations for Europeans.

If you are scheduled to travel to any of the affected areas, please do educate yourself. Take precautionary action to not only protect yourself from being bitten by these nasty disease spreading bugs, but also to assist in preventing this horrible virus and many other mosquito-borne illnesses from travelling back home with you.