As the people in the northern latitudes escape the cold aiming at warmer climates, the usual dengue, now common chick-v are known viruses transferred by mosquitoes. But this year there is a new threat, the Zika virus that went epidemic in Brazil last year has now been detected in Hawaii, Florida and British Columbia. While Jamaica has not had a confirmed case of the "Zik V" mainly due to the governments early actions after the outbreak in Brazil last year, we felt it is the responsible thing to do and remind everyone to use mosquito repellent when visiting or living in warmer climates.
The Zika virus can have flu like symptoms (fever, aches, sinus pain) to no symptoms at all. And while it is not very much of a bother to those who get it, it can be extremely dangerous for pregnant women. Babies born from women who have contracted Zik V can develop fetal microcephaly or intracranial calcifications, both of which can be fatal to the baby. A baby was born in Hawaii last week with microcephaly. This has become an outbreak in Brazil to the point the government is urging women not to become pregnant until the outbreak is over.
Since this virus is harmful to the most innocent of all, we urge everyone who is visiting or living in a mosquito friendly environment to help protect the babies and use mosquito repellent for their sake. Thank you for heeding this message.
