Zika – more than just a pesky mosquito bite

ANewscanada

s we hit the dead of winter, many of us dream of escaping to somewhere sunny. Don't let that dream turn into a nightmare — protect yourself and your family from the Zika virus.

At first, the Zika virus was thought to only be transmitted by mosquitos. However, research has shown that the virus can also be transmitted from an infected person to his or her sexual partners. Although the overall risk to most Canadians travelling to Zika-affected countries is low, it's important to know the facts so that you can make the right decisions for you and your family.

Women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, as well as their sexual partners, should be particularly concerned about the Zika virus. The virus can be transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her developing fetus, causing severe birth defects and neurological disorders. For this reason, the Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that pregnant couples and those who are planning for a pregnancy avoid travel to Zika-affected countries and areas.

Studies also show the virus can live up to six months in semen. If a woman is pregnant and her partner has travelled to a Zika-affected country or area, the Public Health Agency of Canada strongly encourages that the couple use condoms correctly or avoid having sex for the duration of the pregnancy.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that if you've visited a Zika-affected area, women wait at least two months and men at least six months before trying to conceive. This will ensure that the virus has cleared the body. During that time, the couple should also use a condom correctly or avoid having sex.

The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to prevent mosquito bites. The most effective way to do this is to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and use insect repellent in both daytime and evening hours.

Most people infected with Zika virus do not develop any symptoms. However,

if you have just returned from a Zikaaffected country or area, look out for the following: red eyes; weakness; headaches; lack of energy; short-term muscle or joint pain; possible joint swelling, mainly in the smaller joints of the hands and feet; low-grade fever (37.8 to 38.5°C); or a flat, red rash covered