Zika Virus
Zika Virus was first discovered in Africa around 1947, and is a relative of Dengue Virus and Yellow Fever. Initial reports thought that it was relatively innocuous.
In about 2003 it migrated (probably through air travel) to the French Polynesian, then in the past 2 years to Brazil; and now is spreading.
It is transmitted by the same mosquito as Dengue, Yellow Fever and Malaria. This insect requires tropical climates, so unless the virus mutates and can be transmitted by other insects it will not leave the tropical environment.
It wasn't until the neurological issues hit Brazil; that is microcephaly (an inhibition of brain growth in fetuses) and a slight increase in Guillan Barre syndrome, that scientists discovered its dangerous effects. Going back to 2003 in Polynesia they found similar increases in these syndromes there that had not been reported.
For someone who is not planning on becoming pregnant, or is not pregnant, the risk of serious illness is minuscule. However, since the virus may be transmitted sexually and present for several weeks after disease (which can be asymptomatic) the CDC recommends avoiding pregnancy for 2-3 months after travel to such a location. Scientists are working on a vaccine.
Travelers can bring the virus back, and it can be transmitted; especially in tropical regions. Based on travel history, a map of the areas most likely to see Zika virus is shown below.
So what should you do? If pregnancy is not an issue, just the normal insect repellents when travelling to an endemic area. If you think you or your spouse could become pregnant then don't go there!!
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