There is a major update on the Zika Virus: it can be sexually transmitted. The US Center for Disease Control confirmed 1 such case so far in Texas. Now, as we have reported the virus has spread throughout Latin America and the Caribbean and travel warnings have been issued for pregnant women for 14 countries including all of Belize's neighbors – Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. That was after the virus was linked to brain damage in babies. But this virus is spreading so rapidly so that the World Health Organization declared a global emergency. And now, even more so with this latest find. We have a clip from CNN News in which they further discuss this case where Zika was sexually transmitted and the other concerns associated with the virus.
In the article on CNN news online it adds that "Sexual partners can protect each other by using condoms to prevent spreading sexually transmitted infections." It also further addresses the link to Microcephaly – babies being born with abnormally small heads - and other neurological conditions. According to Caribbean 360 News "there have been about 4,000 reported cases of microcephaly – in Brazil alone since last October." Now pregnant women are strongly being advised against traveling to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to avoid exposure and also in some countries, women who want to get pregnant are being advised to hold off for about 2 years. Now while the world is exploding with alarm and hysteria, where does Belize fit in to this picture? Health CEO Dr. Ramon Figueroa told us via email that they are fully aware of all the threats and are working to ensure Belize remains Zika Free. He says quote, "Belize is intensifying activities in the area of vector control, which is fundamentally what needs to be done since Zika is a vector borne disease. He continues by saying quote, "We have reached out to Panama to access their laboratory facilities for diagnostic capability since we do not have that in-country." He also urges the public to do its part in keeping their yards and surroundings clean and getting rid of mosquitos. Also protect yourself by using long sleeves or repellent, especially for pregnant women. Again we stress, there are no confirmed cases of Zika in Belize. We will keep you updated on other major developments.
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