Zika is known to cause only mild symptoms, such as a rash, fever, red eyes, joint pain, nausea or vomiting etc. , all of which can be resolved on their own within a week. However not all infected people would have all signs. The birth defects in babies and fetuses linked to Zika transpires when the carrying mothers got infected during their pregnancy. But what about its effect on infants as well as older kids, is it an immediate danger to them?
Many doctors confirm that there aren't any reports yet suggesting Zika could affect children or infants in the worse possible way, as Dr. David Vu, Stanford pediatric infectious disease specialist told NPR. There's an ongoing research about the dangers Zika poses on children however it is yet unknown if there's any long-term impact on infants and children.
So far, there's no evidence that Zika attacks children's brains as it does to fetuses. "Zika virus seems to pose little or no threat to the nervous system of infants or children when infections occur after birth," explained pediatric neurologist Dr. James Bale. The virus can cause infections in the brain, such as encephalitis but we should be alert for possibilities, according to Tech Times.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is another effect of Zika virus. It's a neurological disorder which can leave people paralyzed for weeks or months and sometimes permanently. Most people at risk of GBS are adults in their 40s.
The best bug sprays for #Zika virus protection and how to apply them safely— from @coolmompicks https://t.co/ajlGZFx24K
— Save the Children US (@SavetheChildren) May 23, 2016
As parents, we'd be anxious to protect our kids from any possible Zika dangers especially his summer. Here are some pointers from experts:
- It depends on where you live. If you're not sure whether your community has Zika-bearing mosquito, take a look at the CDC map.
- Call the local mosquito control office and whether there's any Aedes aegypti detected near where you live. There's a higher chance of Zika in places along the Gulf Coast, as well as parts of Texas and Florida, so residents must be extra vigilant.
- Put a mosquito net to drape over strollers.
- Apply mosquito repellent to kids since it's impractical to have them wear long sleeves and pants this summer. Choose a product with a compound called picaridin. It's effective for about 10 hours and is considered less toxic than the usual DEET which suits kids' skin.
- If you suspect your child is infected, let the child rest and offer enough fluids. Avoid giving the child any medicine like aspirin and consult a doctor.
