Questions and answers about the Zika virus in Spain
Lately, more and more people hear about the Zika virus, which is spreading rapidly throughout the world. Since 2015, when cases began to be detected in Brazil, the list of places with affected people is increasing. This can cause nervousness in the population, for what the Spanish Society of Out-of-Home Pediatrics has wanted "bring some light" to the subject, especially in relation to children. Here are his recommendations on this.
The zika virus
The pediatricians explain that, although it has not been possible to demonstrate the mechanism at the molecular level of Zika"infection with this virus has been linked to fetal neurological alterations (intra uterine infection) and other syndromes such as Guillain Barré (in children and the adult population)." Even so, they qualify something very important: "In the vast majority of patients the infection occurs in a benign manner."
For pediatricians of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics in Primary Care (AEP), these are the worrying points of the Zika virus in Spain.
.- In a high percentage of cases, the disease is asymptomatic, that is, there are no symptoms that alert of this virus. The main consequence of this is that it can be transmitted without being known. "The control measures in these cases venture more complicated," they lament.
.- This infection it is transmitted mainly through a mosquito of the genus Aedes spp. Specimens and evidence of its expansion have been found in seven Spanish autonomous communities: Catalonia, Comunidad Valenciana, Murcia, Andalucía, Baleares, Aragón and País Vasco. In these places, measures aimed at controlling their reproduction "are fundamental".
.- Cases have been reported infection transmitted from person to person sexually. "This can further complicate the control measures, having an impact especially on the recommendations related to the maintenance of sexual relations with pregnant women (of much higher risk)." Therefore, "abstinence and condoms would be the two most important measures to recommend."
.- There is no treatment or vaccine at present to combat said infection, so that once the damage is generated, the measures to be taken would be exclusively supportive or symptomatic.
Is the Zika virus serious?
The recommendations of the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality explain that about 80 percent of infected people may not develop any symptoms, so the disease could go unnoticed. In addition, most of those who become ill have mild symptoms and recover without sequelae, according to these recommendations.
If it is not serious, why the alert?
The reason for the global alert is explained by the ministry: during the outbreak of Zika virus disease that occurred in French Polynesia between 2013 and 2014 and the current outbreak in Latin America (which is spreading all over the world), an increase in the number of cases with syndromes or neurological diseases has been observed (such as Guillain-Barré) that could be related to the virus.
Likewise, "an increase of Neurological malformations in newborns and in particular of microcephaly that has been associated with an infection of the mother by the Zika virus during pregnancy. "Another problem that has led to the alert is that the influence that other factors can have on the affected areas in their development is still unknown.
Is it possible to become infected with the Zika virus in Spain?
Nowadays only imported cases of this disease have been detected. That is, people who are infected outside of Spain and then return to the country. Still, the ministry says that Zika infection in Spain is not impossible, although it is unlikely.
Who are the risk groups?
Pregnant women are the main risk group. This is because of the possible association of Zika virus disease with neurological malformations, especially microcephaly in newborns and waiting for the results of studies that clearly define this association. "Therefore, it is recommended to reinforce prevention actions, reducing to the maximum the possibilities that the pregnant women become infected
What if I travel to an area with virus transmission?
1.- Wear pants and long-sleeved shirt, socks and closed shoes and, in essence, trat to cover most of the skin. Use light colors
2.- Use repellents of mosquito.
3.- Make use of the mosquito nets especially to cover cribs and baby carts.
4.- If possible, put air conditioning at a low level during the night, because mosquitoes avoid cool climates.
5.- Go to your doctor before the trip if you have any illness and find out about the vaccinations necessary.
6.- If you are pregnant, do not go. If it is impossible to cancel the trip, extreme precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.
