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Zika virus - a threat to the current traveling

Scarecrow, which was discovered in the mid last century. First epidemics of febrile illness caused by a virus Zika, however, was recorded a few years ago. For travelers usually not a serious threat to life, but except for pregnant women. What can happen to them?

What do we know about him

The virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.
The most common symptoms include fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, myalgia, arthralgia, headache and malaise.
The infection is usually mild and disappear within 2-7 days.
Against the disease as yet no specific treatment or vaccine .
The best form of prevention is protection against komářímu sting.
The virus is currently present in Africa, the Americas and Asia Pacific.


Europeans safe

Zika was first discovered in Uganda in 1947. The first cases of epidemics, however, were recorded in 2007 in Micronesia and later in other states of Oceania. In 2014 there was the introduction of infection into Central and South America. At present, the virus is found in practically the whole range of Central and South America, except Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru and several small islands. In recent years, the disease has also appeared in Cape Verde, Thailand, the Philippines and parts of the island states in Oceania. Isolated cases of the disease has been reported and physicians in European Union countries. But there is no need to panic.
In February 2016 there were only 114 cases for the whole of Europe.
Most patients were detected in the Netherlands (24), Spain (23) and Germany (20).
In the Czech Republic in February registered two cases of infection in tourists returning from the Caribbean.
As for our neighbors, but Germany has been detected only patient in Austria.


In all cases they were imported or brought over from the contagion risk areas. Mosquitoes that could transmit virus Zika, While in Europe there are, however, not yet in the old continent, transmission of the disease from mosquito to human.


The risk for pregnant women

The disease is reflected in about one in five people infected. Course is usually mild, death occurs very rarely. However, recently he traveled the world a shocking report on the fetus of pregnant women in Brazil and other countries. The virus is likely to be transmitted from mother to fetus. This causes severe brain damage the unborn child (microcephaly), eyes, hearing, growth or other neurological and autoimmune diseases. The cause of this phenomenon is not yet understood. Women traveling to high-risk roads would in any case have to be wary. The virus is not transmitted only mosquito bites, but also the sexual intercourse.


uncertainties persist

However, the connection between Zika virus and damage the fetus in pregnant women has not been confirmed with certainty. Scientists are still working with several theories for this phenomenon. The media appeared mention of the possible effect of pesticide pyriproxyfen. It is, however, in Brazil and surrounding states used for a long time and has never been associated with possible damage to the fetus.


Do not underestimate prevention

At the right time at the right place. Most small parasites is active during the night. Zika virus-bearing mosquitoes, however, are "most alive" during the afternoon and in the evening. When traveling to risk areas, particularly in pregnant women at this time it is not recommended to go out. When he utters, then just using repellent and long-sleeved clothing.
Appropriate clothing. Travelers can minimize the surface exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, pants, hats and solid shoes. For multiplication of protection could be clothes for the use of insect repellents.
Network. Safety nets are also known under the term mosquito. Their application in hazardous areas unwritten obligations. Mosquito nets can be purchased in our stores.
Repellents. While staying in the countryside are advised to use insect repellent on skin and clothing. Since the matter is not their use in the rooms.
Safer sex. Because the virus is transmitted by sexual contact and it is always important to ensure condom use. You better bring your home, at your destination because product quality is highly variable.

Vaccination against Zika fever at this time does not exist. Current recommendations suggest that pregnant women and those attempting to conceive should not travel to risk areas. When setting out to these places, they should strictly abide prevention and protection against mosquitoes.

Source: Travel nemoci.cz

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