The scare regarding Zika virus has now reached Jamaica when it first started in Brazil. Now, Jamaica's health minister just released a statement warning all women to delay their pregnancy if they ever have plans to have a baby this year.
Based on a report by US News, this virus came from a mosquito and pregnant women who have been bitten by it would turn out to have kids with heads that are smaller than the usual size.
The virus is already affecting a lot of women mostly in South America and it is alarming to have it spread in Jamaica when the country didn't even have a single record of the disease all these years. As of the moment, more than 3,500 babies were born with smaller heads in Brazil.
Jamaican health minister Horace Dalley wants everyone prepared and informed before the virus completely penetrates the whole island. This health issue has already reached some areas in Haiti, which is why Dalley made such announcement for the betterment of the lives of expecting mothers and their future child.
Microcephaly is the name of the disease reported to be the effect of the Zika virus. Jamaica Observer explained the disease deeper saying it infects the baby on the first couple of months during pregnancy. There were also news about the possibility that babies suffering from it won't be able to live long. Premature delivery could also happen and most of them could live with disability for as long as they live.
Symptoms of the virus are almost like the ones from Dengue fever. A person beaten by a mosquito that carries the Zika virus would experience fever, rashes, joint pains and red eyes. Some would have headache or even muscle pain. Jamaica Observer also said all these symptoms could last for weeks.
