Microcephaly increases infant mortality by 11 times; Understand how to prevent

Without a specific treatment, the focus is on combating the Zika virus – which is spreading in 89 countries, according to what was reported by the American CNN network. Global Health Organization (WHO) – It’s about prevention. The pathogen is transmitted mainly by mosquitoes aedes aegypti, But it can also occur through sexual contact or blood transfusion. There is currently no vaccine available to prevent the spread of the disease, according to the Ministry of Health Develops other strategies For prevention, with a primary focus on vector control:

• Use barriers on windows and doors

• Wear long clothes

• Apply a repellent

• Use a condom, even if you have a steady partner (as you may have been exposed to the virus and not know it)

• Do not leave standing water in pots, old tires, gutters and other areas of the house

• Place garbage in plastic bags and always keep the box tightly closed

Pregnant women should pay extra attention to these measures, from antenatal care to the postpartum period, especially in the hotter and rainier seasons, which favor the spread of mosquitoes. The most suitable types of repellents for pregnant women are based on icaridin, DEET or IR3535.

One of the biggest challenges related to Zika virus is diagnosis, as the majority of cases are asymptomatic – One in four people Development of symptoms. Manifestations usually appear two to seven days after the bite and include low-grade fever, rash, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, and conjunctivitis. Women who suspect infection or who received blood and blood products during pregnancy should take the test, which is available online.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in addition to Zika, there are a variety of diseases Genetic and environmental factors Which can cause microcephaly, such as Down syndrome in the fetus. Exposing a pregnant woman to drugs, alcohol, or other toxins. Rubella infection during pregnancy.

Caring for a child with the syndrome

Congenital Zika virus syndrome, which includes microcephaly, can be associated with epileptic seizures, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and difficulties with movement and balance, as well as impaired vision, hearing, and speech. Symptoms depend on the degree of damage or underdevelopment experienced by the brain. Diagnosis is made before birth by ultrasound, or after birth by measuring head circumference and clinical examination.

Patients must undergo constant medical monitoring, often by different specialists. Furthermore, they need to receive early stimulation, which includes therapeutic techniques and resources to promote motor, cognitive, sensory, linguistic and social development, and avoid or mitigate potential losses.

Another important precaution is to keep your child’s vaccinations up to date, by following the National Immunization Program (PNI) vaccination schedule.

More accurate diagnosis

Another obstacle to identifying Zika cases is that current market diagnostics still pose a risk of cross-reactivity with the dengue virus – that is, the test could confuse one pathogen with another. This is because the main protein found in these viruses, NS1, is very similar between the two.

The discovery, made by the Butantan Institute, the Adolfo Lutz Institute, the University of São Paulo (USP) and the State University of São Paulo (UNESP), could be used to develop a new, more accurate test, based on parts of the NS1 protein that detect the presence of bacteria. Specific antibodies – Zika.