Young women have been asking experts at Southwest Memorial Hospital about traveling to countries that are combating outbreaks of zika virus and possibly associated cases of microcephaly.<\/p>\n
In Brazil, the spread of zika, a relatively mild virus that causes a rash and joint pain, has been associated with an increase in the number of women who give birth to children with microcephaly caused by abnormal brain development.<\/p>\n
Therefore, women who are already pregnant need to be especially cautious about traveling to countries where the virus is prevalent, said Marc Meyer a pharmacy practice and infection preventionist at Southwest Memorial.<\/p>\n
The link between the virus and the microcephaly is not fully understood, and less than 50 percent of the children with microcephaly are testing positive for it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are still unsure whether there is another factor involved,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
There no research suggesting zika poses the risk of birth defects in future pregnancies, according to the Centers of Disease Control.<\/p>\n
However, travelers headed to South America, Central America or the Caribbean should discuss the trip with their doctor and try to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes that carry zika, he said.<\/p>\n
There is no vaccine available for the disease.<\/p>\n
The CDC advises using an insect repellent and knowing how often to reapply it. The agency suggests wearing long-sleeved shirt and pants and sleeping under a mosquito net if you are outside.<\/p>\n
Men need to be conscientious of the disease as well because they can sexually transmit the disease to their partner, he said.<\/p>\n