Healthy Kids: Zika and pregnancy

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Earlier this week a newborn in Texas died from complications related to the Zika virus. A new study from the British Medical Journal is linking Zika in pregnancy to joint deformities in newborns. Dr. Annette St. Pierre-MacKoul stopped by the studio with more information on this new study and information on how to protect yourself from the Zika virus.

Zika Virus Transmission:

• Mosquito bites
• Pregnancy
• Sexual Contact
• Can lead to Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Zika Virus Symptoms:

• Fever
• Rash
• Joint Pain
• Conjunctivitis
• Headache
• Muscle Pain
• Lasts about a week
• Usually very mild symptoms
• Usually don’t see any medical professionals

Zika Virus Concerns:

• Focused around pregnant women
• Decreased transmission – mosquito control
• Insect repellent is important – safe during pregnancy
• Infant mortality