ZIKA VIRUS
The Malaysian Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil alerts Malaysian citizens of the mosquito-transmitted Zika Virus.
2. Based on CDC’s website (www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html), Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.
3. Prior to 2015, Zika virus outbreaks have occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infections in Brazil. Currently, outbreaks are occurring in many countries. Zika virus will continue to spread and it will be difficult to determine how the virus will spread over time.
4. Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These are the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in things like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases. They are aggressive daytime biters, prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.
5. A mother already infected with Zika virus near the time of delivery can pass on the virus to her newborn around the time of birth, but this is rare. It is possible that Zika virus could be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy. This mode of transmission is being investigated. To date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika virus through breastfeeding. There has been one report of possible spread of the virus through blood transfusion and one report of possible spread of the virus through sexual contact.
6. To date, there is no vaccine or treatment for Zika virus, so prevention of mosquito bites is the only way to avoid infection. Pregnant women in particular should employ good personal protective measures to minimize the risk of Zika and other mosquito borne infections. These measures include use of CDC recommended topical repellants such as DEET or Picaridin, keeping arms and legs covered when outdoors, and use of permethrin-treated fabrics for clothing and tents.
For more information and latest information on the Zika virus, please visit CDC’s website at: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/
Prepared by
Embassy of Malaysia
Brasilia
26 January 2016
