Questions from patients about the Zika virus continue to emerge as health officials uncover more information about the disease. Here are some resources to find the latest information on Zika.
About Zika
The most common symptoms of the Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes), usually lasting from several days to a week. It spreads via mosquitoes and sexual transmission. While most infected persons will not need to be hospitalized, becoming infected during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other possible neurological defects.
The number one action you can take to prevent becoming infected is to avoid traveling to “hot zones”. This is especially true if you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant. You can also take steps to prevent mosquito bites by wearing mosquito repellants and long sleeves and pants.
Where to go for the latest on Zika
- Texas Department of State Health Services: http://www.texaszika.org
- CDC’s Traveler’s Health site: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information
- American Medical Associations’ Zika Virus Resource Center: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/public-health/zika-resource-center.page
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