A rare case of the Zika virus has been reported in the U.S through sexual encounters in 3 U.S areas. The Zika Virus  is carried by mosquitoes and has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains.Though the disease is primarily spread through blood transfusions ie. Mosquitoes, it is also transmitted sexually. The virus is being spread throughout the Americas and has been declared a Public Heath Emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). The biggest outbreak has been in Brazil, there has been a reported  3,670 suspected cases of microcephaly in babies/infants and they have all been linked to the virus. There is no vaccine or cure to the Zika Virus. It has been said that the virus could be spread across Europe and without a cure people are on edge.  There are two approaches to a cure to the vaccine, but there have been no effective trials. There has not been an effective vaccine or specific treatment for the disease. Treatment instead focuses on relieving symptoms and includes rest, rehydration, and medications for fever and pain the WHO says pregnant woman are more likely to receive the viruses and people from poorer areas are also more sustainable to contracting the virus . There are many steps that can be taken to prevent contracting the virus such as especially When traveling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes are found, take the following steps:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for effectiveness.
  • Always follow the product label instructions
  • Reapply insect repellent as directed.
  • Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
  • If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
• If you have a baby or child:
  • Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age.
  • Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or
  • Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
  • Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin.
  • Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items.
  • Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See product information to learn how long the protection will last.
  • If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.
  • Do NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.

(All precautions and Virus prevention information can be found here.)