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What is Zika virus? Zika virus disease is caused by a virus, which is mainly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that transmit Zika virus are the same type of mosquito that spread chikungunya and dengue viruses. An infection in a pregnant woman could be transmitted to her baby through the placenta or during delivery. On rare occasions, the virus has also been transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person and blood transfusions from infected donors. Symptoms of Zika virus The main symptoms of Zika virus disease include: · low-grade fever (38.5 C or lower); · a flat, red rash on the skin covered with small bumps (maculopapular rash) that often starts on the face and spreads to the body; · short-term muscle or joint pain and possible joint swelling, mainly in the smaller joints of the hands and feet; · pain behind the eyes; · conjunctivitis (red eyes); · general symptoms, such as weakness, lack of energy and headaches. Symptoms of Zika virus infection can be similar to other mosquito-transmitted viruses, such as dengue and chikungunya. However, Zika virus typically presents with milder symptoms. Only one in four people infected with Zika virus are believed to develop symptoms. It usually takes between three to 12 days for symptoms to appear after infection. The disease symptoms are usually mild and last for two to seven days. What is Zika virus? 9 | Friday, February 5, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com rus disease. Consult a health-care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. This is important because Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that bite in both daylight and during evening hours. Pregnant women should: · discuss their risk with their health-care provider; · consider postponing travel to areas where the Zika virus is circulating in the Americas. If travel cannot be postponed, strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed. This is because of the possible association between Zika virus and increased risk of serious health effects on unborn babies. The above information has been compiled from the Government of Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada websites. For more information, visit healthycanadians.gc.ca, www.phac-aspc.gc.ca or the World Health Organization at www.who.int. How is it diagnosed? Zika virus preliminary diagnosis is based on your: · signs and symptoms; · places and dates of travel; · activities. The virus is diagnosed based on laboratory test results. See your health care provider immediately if you develop symptoms of Zika virus after travelling to at-risk areas. How is it virus treated? Currently, there is no treatment for Zika virus. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms. Taking a pain reliever that contains acetylsalicylic acid should be avoided until infection with dengue virus has been excluded. How can it be prevented? Currently, there is no vaccine for Zika vi- ® Ultimate Drivers "Driver Training That Makes a Difference" SiGn UP OnLine Program www.ultimatedrivers.ca For Reinstating Driver's License Prepares you for G2 or G License Defensive Driving Certificate Minimizes Road Test Time and Qualifies for Maximum Insurance Discount Minimizes Road Test Time, Qualifies for Maximum Insurance Discount and Teaches You Emergency Skills Driver retraining Program Complete refresher Program Helps Reviewing Your Driving Habits for Test On OUr BeGinner DriVer eDUCAtiOn PrOGrAM. winter SPeCiAL $ SAVe 100 Preparation and evaluation Warm Up Practice Before the Test Advance Defensive Driving Program refresher Program winter time Driving Helps overcome your Winter Time Driving Jitters 4 DAy COnDenSeD COUrSe llent Exce ices Serv ce Sin 1993 MArCh 12, 13, 14, 15 MArCh 17, 18, 19, 20 FeBrUAry 13 & 14 FeBrUAry 20 & 21 2 weeKenDS 2380 Wyecroft Road Unit #3 Oakville Gift Certificates Available We Are Licensed by MTO 905-825-1172 We Invite Our Oakville Neighbours toVisit One of the Finest Showrooms in Ontario! 3440 Fairview Street, Burlington Ontario L7N 2R5 Oakville: (905) 827-5585 Burlington: (905) 634-7701 Hamilton: (905) 544-2220 www.broomshvac.ca Open: Mon. - Sat. Closed: Sun. Fairview St. Guelph Line Cumberland Ave Fairview St Woodview Rd St. Walkers Line Prospect Professional Advice on Top Brands