Parents: 3 safety tips to combating the Zika virus?

The announcement of the Zika virus has potential parents on edge. The virus has been linked to Microcephaly a condition where babies are born with small heads and is reportedly caused by the bite of an Aedes Genus mosquito.  Babies born with Microcephaly may have developmental delays, intellectual deficits or hearing loss .There have been an increased number of babies born with Microcephaly in Central and South America.  There are now worries of the virus spreading in North America.  As the creator of Parenthood 101 my goal is to provide parents and would be parents with information that may affect the development of their children.

New York Times’ article Short Answers to Hard QuestionsAbout Zika Virus  written by Donald G. McNeil Jr., Catherine Saint Louis, and Nicholas ST. Fleur state the female Aedes aegypti mosquito has spread most cases and is common in Florida, the Gulf Coast and Hawaii.  The virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito and although not definitive it is believed to have the capability of being sexual transmitted.  The virus does not remain long in the body and people who recover are immune.

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However there are opposing opinions surrounding the true cause of insurgence of Microcephaly in South America, specifically Brazil.  Dr. Joseph Mercola article “Pandemic OutbreakPropaganda Machine Takes Aim at Zika Virus” states  only 404 infants of the 4780+ reported cases have microcephaly and only 17 tested positive for the Zika virus.  More likely culprits contributing to the increased cases of microcephaly in Brazil are attributed to lack of sanitation, widespread vitamin A and zinc deficiency, environmental pollution and toxic pesticide.  All of which have been be linked to microcephaly.

There is no cure for the Zika virus, but in an effort to prevent infection the following steps should be followed.

• Cover up – sleep under mosquito nets, wear insect repellent, wear long pants and sleeved shirts, covered shoes and hats.
• Wear Condoms – If you or your partner has traveled to an advisable country abstain from sex or use condoms for at least 30 days.
• Get Tested – If you have visited or lived in a country experiencing an outbreak and are pregnant get blood tested.

In summary there appears to be no absolute proof that the Zika virus which was identified in Africa in 1947 is the cause of the increased cases of microcephaly.  Research into the cause and vaccination could take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars.  The recommendations are precautionary.

Tajuana Nelson, founder of Parenthood -101 an online informational platform for young and under served parents.  I’m currently taking the online social mediamarketing specialization class at coursera.  Please connect with me @parenthood101 to learn of future post.