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Zika Virus, the harbinger of neurological disorders in children, is on the verge of encroaching Vietnam. Pregnant mothers and those planning to conceive must immediately delve into these crucial considerations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) issues a global warning about the Zika virus epidemic, transmitted through Aedes mosquitoes—abundant in Vietnam. Zika unleashes phenomena like neurological defects and, in extreme cases, fatalities in children.
The prevalent Aedes mosquitoes in Vietnam can transmit Zika virus, causing neurological disorders in children from one person to another.
1. The Peril of Zika Virus
Symptoms of congenital microcephaly in children lead to delayed development, seizures, and challenges in daily activities such as speaking, sitting, walking, or disabilities like deafness and blindness. Microcephaly persists throughout the child's life, with varying degrees of severity. Detection is possible through ultrasound in the second or third month of pregnancy. Parents should carefully consider if the fetus shows signs of microcephaly.
Children afflicted by microcephaly caused by the Zika virus
To prevent Zika virus and microcephaly-related conditions, ensuring a healthy child, parents should take note of all recommendations advised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health.
2. Health Ministry's Recommendations on Zika Virus:
• The list of countries where women planning to conceive or pregnant women in the next 6 months should absolutely avoid includes: Brazil, Germany, France, the United States, China, Denmark, Russia, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, etc. Brazil, in particular, is considered the world's largest epidemic hotspot, with nearly 4000 cases of microcephaly in children since October 2015.
• Individuals traveling to and from these countries currently affected by the Zika virus should proactively visit healthcare centers and hospitals for health checks. If any unusual symptoms arise, staying put for treatment is advised to prevent community spread. Hotline number for reporting symptoms: 0989.671.115.
• Those returning from epidemic areas should use condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent spreading the disease to loved ones or partners. Especially, avoid sexual activity during pregnancy or if planning to conceive to prevent risks to the fetus or microcephaly.
• Dedicate 30 minutes each week to eradicate mosquitoes by clearing areas with stagnant water; remove containers like bottles, boxes, and tires that can hold water to prevent mosquito breeding. Regularly use safe mosquito repellents. Consider keeping fish in water containers for them to feed on mosquito larvae.
• Use mosquito nets while sleeping, wear long, light-colored clothing to prevent mosquito bites, even during the day. Apply mosquito repellent cream if necessary. Mosquitoes are attracted to darker colors than lighter ones.
We sincerely hope these crucial tips assist the community in preventing and combating the Zika virus, which poses a highly dangerous threat of microcephaly. If you find the article helpful, please share it with the community to collectively guard against the Zika virus causing microcephaly in children.
