Women in Brazil Warned not to have Babies due to Zika Virus

There have been further reports relating to the mosquito-borne virus known as Zika virus. In the northeastern part of Brazil, a concerning discovery has expectant mothers on high alert. If an infected mosquito bites an expectant mother a risk of microencephaly developing in their unborn child could prove to have devastating results. Here’s an article with further information, and we urge you all to take note.

Birth defects linked to mosquitoes

The Zika virus is suspected of causing microencephaly, a rare neurological disorder that results in infants having small heads and underdeveloped brains, resulting in severe developmental issues.  Babies born with this illness are likely to die young and require constant care.

Now is the time to take action and protect yourself from all mosquitoes. We know how quickly disease can spread from one country to another. Adopt the attitude that nowhere is safe from these killer bugs and invest in the best mosquito control.

Although no official warning has been released, it’s of great concern to Brazil. With the 2016 Rio Olympics just around the corner, the country will be visited by many from all over the globe, which will, of course, increase the risk of spreading this disease further. We found this article which includes an interesting report on health concerns surrounding the Olympics.

Brazil Olympics 2016: Health Concerns Point to the Need for Early Planning

Brazil has been embattled with mosquito-borne illnesses in 2015, with more than 746,000 cases of dengue reported, representing a 236-percent increase over 2014.

A reminder that if we are set to go on our travels, not just to Brazil, how important it is to know the risks at your destination, what immunizations are required and most of all how to stay safe! The whole world is at risk of mosquitoes. Stay safe on your travels.