The Case For Prevention: From A to ZIKA
ZIKA virus causes birth defects. The experts have spoken. So - what's next? The answer is PREVENTION! Public Health officials say to help prevent the spread of Zika Virus and it's affects on babies during pregnancy you should :
Prevent mosquito bites
If in a country with a lot of Zika virus - think about delaying getting pregnant.
Pregnant women should avoid traveling to countries with high levels of Zika virus cases.
All Countries and Territories with Active Zika Virus Transmission
Until more is understood - prevention of the spread of Zika Virus is the most important thing we can do. It starts with awareness, and unfortunately, we in the U.S. seem to have "low levels of knowledge and concern about Zika virus." - according to a recent survey. So let's tackle that...
Somethings you need to know:
- The virus is carried by mosquitoes, specifically a type of mosquito that can be found in many U.S. States, but sexual transmission can occur as well and travel will aid in the spread of Zika Virus (see: below for a map of travel related cases)
- Early symptoms of Zika Virus include fever, rash, joint pain and red-eyes. Severe symptoms can cause weakness, numbness, tingling - usually starting in the hands/feet and moving up.
- Babies of Pregnant women who have Zika virus are at risk for birth defects that affect growth of the brain and head
The CDC has updated information on Zika in the US. Click the link below.
Does it really CAUSE birth defects? Often - scientists and doctors are careful not to use the word 'cause' when linking an exposure (Zika Virus) to an outcome (Microcephaly - poor brain/head development). Instead you may here us use words like 'associated' or 'related' but the science is in and infectious disease and public health officials are claiming the Zika Virus does CAUSE Birth Defects. The evidence was collected by a small army of researchers, scientists, physicians and public health officials and published in The New England Journal of Medicine (this same issue also shows evidence of the association between childhood obesity and death due to heart disease in adults)
Okay so what does Zika have to do with Heart Disease? Hopefully nothing. But how we tackle the Zika virus, as a people (ahem - prevention!), is the same way we need to approach heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure and high cholesterol - yep, PREVENTION! While we wait for vaccines, medications and other solutions to be created to fight the affects of Zika or heart disease - there is plenty we can do to prevent outcomes. By changing our habits - whether that is booking your next vacation in cooler climates (Oh Canada!) or getting up a little earlier to go for a run each day - we are choosing health, wellness and truly putting ourselves first.
Live Heart Healthy,
DocMoyo
p.s.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ZIKA VIRUS:
Written by Dr. Steven C.Moyo