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- In Germany there is the first Zika sufferers. The virus is spreading "explosively" in South and Central America.
- Why is Zika dangerous for pregnant women?
- Is Zika also available in Germany?
- What can one do against the spread?
- On this map you can see where the Zika virus has already spread everywhere
In Germany there is the first Zika sufferers. The virus is spreading "explosively" in South and Central America.
In 2015, unusually many children were born in Brazil with too small a head. This malformation was triggered by a virus that is currently spreading "explosively" in South and Central America. The virus has already been reported in 20 countries. In Brazil, there have been approximately 4180 neonatal cranial malformations since last year associated with the Zika virus.
How is Zika transferred?
Zika is transmitted via mosquitoes. One reason why the virus spreads so well. In humans, the virus usually resolves to flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and joint pain and skin rashes . Many infected people do not realize that they are affected. Anyone who has endured the disease is then immune to the pathogen. One reason that the disease was considered rather harmless before its strong spread in early 2015.
Nevertheless: Zika is also transferable via unprotected sex. Even stored blood can transmit the pathogen.
Why is Zika dangerous for pregnant women?
The disease is dangerous for pregnant women: If a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, it can lead to severe skull malformations in the child . She also transfers the virus to her child. Some South American states have already recommended women postpone scheduled pregnancies until further notice.
Meanwhile, pregnant women in Brazil are extremely controlled. Every rash and every woman with a fever during pregnancy is examined for the pathogen. Nevertheless, the spread is progressing. Brazil is assuming millions of infections, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Is Zika also available in Germany?
World Health Organization (WHO) chief Margaret Chan said: " The Zika epidemic is spreading" explosively "on the American continent. The WHO also estimates that up to four million people could become infected on the South American continent in the coming months.
In Germany so far there is a case of the virus. A woman had become infected in Haiti. She is currently being treated in a special clinic in Hamburg. The spread is unlikely, as a spread of mosquitoes in Germany can be virtually ruled out.
The Federal Foreign Office currently advises women from traveling to South America. In general, it is important to pay attention to strict mosquito repellent when traveling to South and Central America.
What can one do against the spread?
In Brazil, about 200, 000 soldiers are deployed to prevent further spread of the pathogen. For this purpose, breeding grounds of mosquitoes are systematically eradicated. Because without the mosquito, the pathogen has less chance of spreading.
On this map you can see where the Zika virus has already spread everywhere
#Zika was considered rare & harmless for a long time. Now the #Virus spreads rapidly. Where it occurred last, @ECDC_EU shows pic.twitter.com/hBIWSeUyOx
- Alina Schadwinkel (@aschadwinkel) January 26, 2016
