Zika Virus: Pregnant Women Advised To Reconsider Travel To Brazil And 14 Other Countries
Zika Virus: Pregnant Women Advised Against Travelling To 15 Countries
Ellen Wallwork— The Huffington Post UK
|
Pregnant women have been advised to avoid travelling to Brazil and 14 other countries following an outbreak of Zika virus, which has been linked to birth defects.
A Zika virus outbreak in Brazil is suspected to be related to a large increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly - a genetic abnormality that stops the foetus' brain from developing properly and causes babies to be born with an unusually small head.
"Reconsider travel to areas where Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks are currently reported as further evidence for a possible link between ZIKV infection and congenital malformations emerges."
Open Image Modal
Elison, 10, nurses his 2-month-old brother Jose Wesley who was born with microcephaly following an outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil.
The Foreign Office offers the same advice for women travelling to the following 14 countries where there have been confirmed cases of locally acquired Zika virus - Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduros, Haiti, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Bolivia and Paraguay.
Dr Helen Webberley, GP for Oxford Online Pharmacy explained why it's important for pregnant women to carefully consider any plans to travel to these countries.
"In the majority of people the Zika virus causes no symptoms, although a few may have a couple of days of flu-like symptoms," she told HuffPost UK Parents.
"However, there is some concern emerging that there may be an increase in congenital abnormalities in areas where Zika infection outbreaks have occurred.
"If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant then the current advice is to avoid travel to any areas where an active Zika virus is being reported or, if this is not possible, then to take extra special measures to avoid insect bites.
"A balance of risk needs to be taken here as this link between infection causing abnormalities has not been confirmed and more work needs to be done to prove any causation."
The Zika virus is transmitted via mosquitoes and cannot be caught from coming into contact with an infected person. However possible cases of sexual transmission have been reported.
There is currently no treatment or vaccine.
According to the NaTHNaC, the Department of Health’s travel advice branch, scientists are currently investigating whether a causal relationship exists between exposure to Zika virus in pregnancy and microcephaly.
A map illustrating the countries in the Americas where Zika virus outbreaks have been reported is available on the Pan American Health Organisation's website.
If you are planning on travelling to any of the infected countries, seek advice from a health professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Pregnancy worries and words of comfort
I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )
I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )
I'll lose the baby(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )
My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )
I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )
I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )
I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )
Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )
I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )
I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )