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New Study Finds the Likelihood of Birth Defects from Zika Infection Has Increased Alarmingly

BY ALLISON KOZICHAROW AND BERNICE BORN

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March 2017 study reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that American women affected by the Zika virus were 20 times more likely to give birth to babies with severe birth defects than U.S. mothers who contracted Zika two years ago. This startling uptick demonstrates more clearly than ever the link between Zika and birth defects and proves that the virus continues to take novel and troubling turns.

 

WiRED International offers Zika health education modules in English, Spanish and Portuguese for both healthcare professionals and general audiences, especially pregnant women. The modules provide information about Zika’s signs and symptoms, modes of transmission, diagnosis, treatment and prevention measures. WiRED also offers modules on family planning and other topics that relate to pregnancy and infant health.

 

The latest statistics from CDC state that 4,759 pregnant women in U.S. states and territories demonstrate evidence of the Zika virus, as cases mount throughout the Americas. Zika has no vaccines, special treatments or cures, so prevention is the key to addressing this illness. WiRED will maintain a careful watch on Zika and provide current information on global efforts to stop it.

 

 

 

 

 

Questions from WiRED’s Zika Module Quiz for General Audiences

 

1. The best protection against Zika, if you use both sunscreen and insect repellant, is to apply the sunscreen first.

 True
 False

2. Common symptoms of Zika occur within about how many days after a mosquito bite?

 2 to 6
 3 to 10
 3 to 12
 4 to 15

3. Many people infected with the Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms.

 True
 False

 

 


Know Your Zika Risk

 

Where you live, your travel history, and the travel history of your sex partner(s) can affect your chances of getting Zika. Learn more about Zika, why you might be at risk of getting it and how to protect yourself and others.

 

Many people infected with Zika won’t have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms. However, a pregnant woman, even one without symptoms, can pass Zika to her developing fetus. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Zika virus primarily spreads when a mosquito infected with Zika bites you. Zika also can spread through sex with a man or woman who has the virus. Zika can pass through sexual contact even if the partners do not have symptoms at the time.

 

Protect yourself and others — learn how you can help prevent the spread of Zika.

 

Source: CDC

 

 

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