What is Zika?

It’s a virus spreading explosively in Latin America and suspecting causing birth defects. The Zika virus is alleged to cause microcephaly, a neurological disorder in which infants are born with smaller craniums and brains and damaged vital organs. It has no vaccine available for this virus.

Around 4 million cases is expected to “spread explosively” in America.

It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid travelling to Latin American areas in the meantime for this year.
Please look at Travel Notices by CDC for more info.

Ten-year-old Elison with his 2-month-old brother Jose Wesley, who was born with microcephaly, in Poco Fundo, Brazil. Top Photo by Felipe Dana/AP Photo. Image Source.

Common symptoms are to look out for include a slight fever, rash, conjuctivitis, headache as well as joint and muscle pain. But an estimated 80% of people infected have no symptoms.

The incubation period is unknown, but it is likely to range between a few days to a week. During the first week of infection, the virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to a mosquito through mosquito bites.

Even though there has not been any Zika virus cases detected in Singapore yet, the Ministry of Health announced that it was monitoring the virus situation closely. 

Taiwan had its first reported case of the virus in Asia. A 24-year-old man from northern Thailand was hospitalised in the country after travelling there for work on Jan 10.

We at IKARI encourage everyone to act faster to prevent mosquitos from breeding because when the outbreak hits Asia, it will be too late. 2016 looks to be the year of Aedes-bourne diseases. We advised everyone to be extra careful. Please make sure your homes are clean and avoid travelling to Latin America for this year.

How to prevent mosquitoes :

• Make sure you identify the potential breeding sites. Find out here
• Eliminate standing water in pots, bubble baths, puddles and pet’s bowl
• Repair or prevent outside leakage.
• Keep roof gutters and drain clean
• Trim tall grass, weeds and in your garden
• Fill in small crevices and holes
• Choose a water fountain instead of a still pond

Please see these links if you would like more information :
10 Essential Facts About the Zika Virus
Industry Alert: Zika Virus in the U.S.
6 things to know about the Zika virus, spread by the Aedes mosquito
Spread of Zika virus ‘explosive’, four million cases forecast
Zika and microcephaly: What is happening to the babies?