Basic Information on the Zika Virus

Nurses General Nursing

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What is it?

A virus transmitted by a specific mosquito species (Aedes genus), similar to dengue fever and chikungunya...

... Who is at risk?

Anyone who has travelled to an area with local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes mosquitoes. Pregnant women are especially at risk because infection may impact their fetus' development. Women who might become pregnant and their partners may also be at risk. At least one case of Zika virus seems to be sexually transmitted and live virus has been found in semen.

... SOURCES

CDC, Zika Virus: Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment.” Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment | Zika virus | CDC

PAHO/WHO. Provisional remarks on the Zika virus infection in pregnant women: document for health care professionals- 25 January 2016.” Downloads | Legislation in Health | Servicios de Salud y Acceso | Sistemas y Servicios de Salud - Español | Health Systems and Services

European Center for Disease Control. Rapid Risk Assessment: Zika.” http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/Publications/zika-virus-americas-association-with-microcephaly-rapid-risk-assessment.pdf

CDC. Birth Defects: Facts about Microcephaly.” Facts about Microcephaly | Birth Defects | NCBDDD | CDC

CDC. Transmission.” Transmission | Zika virus | CDChttp://www.nationalnursesunited.org/blog/entry/basic-information-on-the-zika-virus/

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