This is the Zika virus Hazard for the Fetus and Pregnancy !

Zika virus still leaves many questions unanswered. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said earlier that it is still doing further research on this virus, including the relationship between the Zika virus in infants with the condition microcephaly.

Zika virus & Microcephaly Infant

Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Zika virus was first discovered in monkeys in Uganda in 1947. The virus can be transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. In addition through mosquito bites, Zika virus can also be spread from mother to fetus.

Zika virus began to scandalize the world as Brazil reported that there is an increase in cases of microcephaly (4,000 cases) from October 2015 until January 2016 when compared with 2014 (147 cases).

Microcephaly is a congenital abnormality in which the infant's head size is smaller than it should be. Infants with microcephaly can grow normally, but in most cases can arise growth disorders such as motor disorders, speech disorders, convulsions, to intellectual impairment. In addition to microcephaly, Zika virus is also associated with other brain abnormalities.

In general, microcephaly or other brain abnormalities can only be detected at the age of pregnancy, but at the age of 18-20 weeks of pregnancy also can be seen. To detect ultrasound examination is required as to amniocentesis.

Until now, the CDC can not confirm the exact connection between Zika virus with microcephaly. However, in some newborns with microcephaly in Brazil, it was found the Zika virus.

Zika virus & Pregnancy

Symptoms of Zika virus infection in pregnant women is very minimal and resemble the symptoms of other viral infections, ie sudden high fever, headache, joint pain, red eye (conjunctivitis) to itching on the body.

When in early pregnancy Zika virus suspected of being infected, it can be examined to see this virus. The examination is in the form of RT-PCR (reverse-time polymerase chain reaction) to serology for the detection of antibodies to Zika virus. Things become difficult is that Zika virus usually disappears from the body a week after a person is infected.

To prevent further spread of Zika virus, the CDC issued some guidelines for pregnant women in any trimester, among them:

• Prohibits pregnant women to travel to areas with high Zika virus infection.

• Recommend that women who are planning a pregnancy and traveling to endemic areas, to conduct prior consultation with the doctor.

• Pregnant women who recently traveled to countries that are already infected with the virus Zika and showing symptoms of virus infection, should checks to the doctor in order to obtain further examination.

and that's zika virus hazard for the fetus and pregnancy !