Take a Step Back During the Zika Hysteria

There are so many news reports about the Zika virus that might be causing people undue concern. While people who have travelled to areas with the Zika virus should monitor how they’re feeling, here are some things that everyone should keep in mind about the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Zika virus has been found in Brazil and parts of Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

“Only pregnant women who have traveled to one of these areas and have symptoms will be tested according to the Department of Health,” explained Bruce Farber, MD, chief of infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset and LIJ Medical Center in New Hyde Park.

He added Northwell Health is working to educate obstetricians to ask their patients about their travel history.

For people who are not pregnant, this disease typically does not have noticeable symptoms.

There have been recent reports that the Zika virus has been spread through sexual contact. This is a small part of the overall issue, Dr. Farber noted, adding that the greatest concern about this virus should be its effects on pregnant women and their babies.

Some of the symptoms of the Zika virus are:

• Fever
• Red eyes
• Joint pain

If a pregnant woman is experiencing these symptoms and has travelled to areas that have the Zika virus, she should contact her physician.