Zika Virus Alert: Infection Causes Microcephaly Among Infants And The Unborn

Pregnant women and the infants who are infected with Zika virus in Latin America face a great danger. The World Health Organization describes the infection as an "explosive pandemic potential."

According to Breitbart, the experts said that Zika virus infection causes microcephaly among infants and the unborn. Microcephaly is a condition wherein the circumference of the head is smaller than normal. Its symptoms include mental retardation, facial distortions, delayed motor and speech function, seizures, hyperactivity and other neurological problems.

In Brazil, there are more than 2,400 cases in 2015 compared to 147 in 2014 while in the U.S., 31 Zika cases confirmed. Puerto Rico verified 19 cases. It is reported that the virus has spread to 20 countries.

"The level of alarm is extremely high as is the level of uncertainty. Questions abound," the head of WHO, said. "We need to get some answers quickly."

Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that Zika virus swells to people through the bites of mosquitoes particularly the Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes that carry the disease. Its symptoms are the same just like the Dengue Fever. These involve fever, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), rashes, and headache and muscle pains. The treatment of this condition includes frequent drinking of fluids, plenty of rest, medications such as paracetamol and acetaminophen to relieve pains and fever.

WHO warns people that they don't need to travel to get the infection. CDC also released a travel alert, the Level-2 Practiced Enhanced Precautions, for people who will travel in places where Zika virus transmissions are spreading. The center also advised pregnant women to avoid traveling to regions where Zika virus is found to prevent infected while pregnant. Some experts also advised women to postpone their pregnancy plans to inhibit acquiring the infection.

"It's a very personal decision, but at this moment of uncertainty, if families can put off their pregnancy plans, that's what we're recommending," Angela Rocha, the pediatric infectologist at Oswaldo Cruz Hospital in Brazil, suggested.