Traveling to Central or South America? Be sure to ask your doctor about the Zika virus – especially if you’re pregnant!
The Zika virus is carried by mosquitoes. While the virus rarely causes serious symptoms, it may be linked to a birth defect called microcephaly, which causes underdevelopment of the head and the brain.
Infection by the Zika virus in pregnant women may lead to miscarriage or early mortality for newborns.
There is no treatment or vaccine currently available for the virus, so preventative measures, such as mosquito spray, are highly recommended.
For more information, read the full article .
If you are traveling abroad and have concerns, be sure to visit your doctor prior to traveling.
UPDATE: Zika virus has now been detected in the United States. For more information, contact your doctor.
