QUESTION: My husband and I are scheduled to go to the Olympics this summer, but we’re hearing so much about the Zika virus that I’m thinking about canceling. Is the problem really that bad or is there anything we can do to protect ourselves? We’re in our early thirties and want to start a family soon.
DR. RASKIN: When you think of Brazil, you often conjure up the beautiful beaches of Rio, the fun festival of Carnival and the amazing soccer players. Now you can add the Zika virus to the list.
The Zika virus is mostly spread by the Aedes mosquito, similar to the way other viruses like Dengue and yellow fever are spread.
It is not a new virus, and it was actually discovered in Uganda in the 1940s. Prior to this outbreak, it was mostly relegated to Asia and Africa and did not receive much public health importance. It was considered a travel-medicine oddity.
When a person is infected with Zika, it is very often a self-limited illness and most patients do not even seek medical attention. In fact, 80 percent of patients don’t even know that they have been infected with the virus. Typical symptoms include low-grade fever, rash, muscle pains and joint aches. There is no treatment other than taking some Tylenol.
In May 2015 it was reported that Brazil had its first case of the Zika virus. As the cases of Zika increased, there was also a noted rise in birth defects. Specifically, cases of microcephaly, or abnormally small brains in the developing fetus, were noted.
Although this link between the Zika virus and microcephaly in the unborn fetus is still circumstantial, it is scaring a lot of folks, especially women who may become pregnant or who are currently pregnant.
Further studies are necessary to see if the Zika virus is truly the cause of these birth defects.
As far as going to the Olympics this summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued a strong travel warning regarding Zika urging pregnant women to “consider not going” to the 2016 Summer Olympic games in Rio.
In addition, the CDC advised pregnant women with a male partner who travels to the games to wear condoms or not have sex during the rest of the pregnancy. This is because there have been reports of Zika being transmitted through semen.
As long as you are not pregnant yet, you should go and have fun! Wear insect repellant with DEET, avoid places with standing water and wear long sleeves and pants especially during the times of dusk and dawn when mosquitos are more active. Having mosquito netting on the bed at night can also be protective.
After the Olympics, it is possible that even more cases of Zika will show up in the United States due to all of the travelers bringing it back.
As better tests are developed to detect the virus and new vaccines are developed in the future, we will learn more about early detection and have better advice.
In the meantime, there is always the option of watching the games in your living room. You will have a better view. Just close your screen door.
Palisadian Damon Raskin, M.D., is a board-certified internist who offers preventative medicine, concierge services and addiction medicine to patients in and around the Palisades. Contact: 310-459-4333. To submit your medical questions, email frances@palipost.com.
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