Zika FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)


July 16, 2016 / 0 Comments

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Tip:

Some Airlines as Copa Airlines demand International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever to travel for Jamaica.
Please check the topic with your Airline company.

What is Zika Fever?

This is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the Zika virus (ZIKV).

How is ZIKV spread?

In Jamaica, the Aedes aegypti mosquito is the only mosquito that can spread this disease. If the
 mosquito bites someone who is infected with ZIKV, the mosquito becomes a carrier of the virus
 and infects any one it bites.
This mosquito which is commonly found in Jamaica also transmits the dengue and chikungunya
 viruses. There are other types of Aedes mosquitoes which can spread these viruses, but they are
 not found in Jamaica.

What are the habits of the Aedes aegypti mosquito?

 The Aedes aegypti mosquito bites at any time during the day or night. It is found in
 and around homes, schools, workplaces, and other places where people gather.
 One infected Aedes aegypti mosquito is able to infect several persons.
 The mosquito breeds in any container where water is allowed to settle. The most
 common breeding sites are drums, tyres, flower pots and containers in and around
 homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
 The Aedes aegypti mosquitoes produce on average 100 to 200 eggs per batch. Laid
 eggs can survive for very long periods in a dry state, often for more than a year.
 The life span of the adult mosquito is two (2) weeks to a month.

 

What are the symptoms of Zika Fever (Zika Virus Infection)?

The most common symptoms of Zika Fever (Zika Virus Infection) are:
  mild to severe fever
  rash (which may itch)
  redness of eyes
  joint pains
  headache
  myalgia (muscle pain)
  oedema ( swelling) in lower limbs
  weakness
 Persons may also experience:
  vomiting
  diarrhoea
  loss of appetite
  abdominal pain
 Birth defects have been seen in some newborns whose mothers had Zika Fever (Zika Virus
 Infection) in pregnancy. There are neurological (brain and nerve related) and autoimmune
 complications that have been noted as well.

What can be done to reduce the risk of getting Zika Fever (Zika Virus Infection)?

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika Fever (Zika Virus Infection). The best prevention is to:
 A. Reduce or eliminate mosquito breeding sites as follows:
  Check premises weekly for water-filled containers.
  Throw away or recycle water containers that are not needed.
  Containers such as drums should be fully and tightly covered, turned over or placed
 under a roof that does not allow them to fill with water.
  Clean and scrub flower vases and pet’s water containers weekly and dump the water
 from overflow saucers under potted plants and flower pots.
  Clear roof gutters and eaves to prevent water from settling.
  Fill tree holes and other cavities in plants with soil or sand.
  Repair leaking pipes and outside faucets

Since there is no vaccine against ZIKV, what should I do if I travel to a country
where there is an outbreak of Zika Fever (Zika Virus Infection)?

 You should take the necessary measures to protect yourself from mosquito bites through
 the use of repellents or the use of appropriate clothes that minimize skin exposure.
  Avoid mosquito-infested areas.
  Seek medical attention if symptoms of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika Fever (Zika Virus Infection) occur.

by : Jamaica Ministry of Health

Read more:

Be Aware, Zika is Here

If you are pregnant this information may interest you

Zika and Pregnancy

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