Half of Brazilian Women Are Avoiding Pregnancy Because of Zika Researchers found that a majority of women in Brazil are avoiding pregnancy because of fears surrounding Zika. Brazil has undeniably been the country hardest hit by the latest epidemic of Zika virus; it leads the world in confirmed cases of infection with nearly 110,000 cases, according to the latest data from the Pan American Health Organization.
The Importance of Continuous Learning in the Time of Zika According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), pregnant women have the same risk of being infected with Zika virus, which is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, as the general population.
Babies with Zika virus malformations Three babies were born with malformations associated with infection with the Zika virus, and three others appear as probable cases. The most common malformation is microcephaly, but other associated complications may also occur as part of congenital zika syndrome (SZC) or congenital syndrome associated with zika. Health authorities had predicted the increase in this type of cases. Only last year, it was possible to confirm with laboratory tests the infection with this virus of 150 pregnant women. Of these, between 25% and 30% has already given birth.
Temperatures could accelerate the success of a Zika vaccine As warmer temperatures herald annoying mosquitoes, the researchers are feverishly working on several promising vaccines against zika, a virus known to infect humans through the bite of this insect. The speed and debilitating effects of last year's zika outbreak in the Western Hemisphere generated a race to develop a vaccine. Just over a year after this pandemic was declared a global health emergency, a group of volunteers are undergoing preliminary testing.
Plan for Travel If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant try to not travel to areas with Zika. If you or your partner are trying to get pregnant, consider avoiding nonessential travel to areas with Zika. Talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about your travel plans.