ZIKA

Zika virus has spread all over South America, with

countries such as Brazil, Colombia and Panama especially
affected by the outbreak. The main concern is for pregnant
women, as there are birth defects associated with the
virus. For all travelers we recommend keeping mind the
following aspects of prevention, symptoms, diagnosis and
treatment with regards to Zika.

PREVENTION
- Avoid mosquito bites by taking careful
precaution of covering up, especially
wearing long pants, as the mosquito
transmitting Zika is a low-flyer
- Use effective repellent (containing DEET,
picaridin, IR3535 or similar) in exposed
skin, particularly during the day

SYMPTOMS
- Approximately 80% of those infected
don't experience symptoms
- If symptoms are felt, they are generally
mild and include fever, rash, joint pain and
conjunctivitis
- Symptoms are experieced two to seven
days after being bitten by an affected
mosquito

DIAGNOSIS
Zika is very difficult to diagnose, especially
since most people are asymptomatic, and
symptoms will likely be confused with
other illnesses

TREATMENT
Treatment of Zika is of the specific
symptoms, and includes the following
recommendations:
* Rest and drink lots of fluids
* Take Tylenol (paracetamol) for pain as
necessary
* Do not use aspirin and other
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen until
dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk
of bleeding