If you live in Matina, Siquirres or Puntarenas or frequently travel to those communities, reinforce your protection against mosquito bites.
These 3 cantons accounted for 47% of suspected cases of zika virus during the first 3 weeks of 2017.
The Ministry of Health confirmed 52 cases of this dangerous virus (15 more victims than a week ago).
Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of infected aedes aegypti mosquitoes and it can bring severe sequelae at the neurological level. For example, if a pregnant woman is infected, there is a risk that her child will be born with microcephaly or auditory, visual and cognitive problems.
In Costa Rica , two births with microcephaly associated with zika were reported in 2016.
In addition, an infected person is at risk of developing Guillain Barré syndrome, which takes place when the body’s defense system attacks part of the nervous system and it can occur after an infection.
In just a few hours, the victim loses all mobility. Symptoms may appear up to 10 days after the infection and they may last for several weeks or several months.
Zika can also be transmitted through sexual contact. As a result, authorities recommend using condoms during sex.
Protect yourself!
-Eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
-Minimize exposure of your skin to the mosquito bite.
-If you are pregnant, use condoms throughout the period.
-If you are a man and you were bitten by a mosquito, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourses for at least 2 months.
-Avoid going to sites where there is an evolving zika outbreak.
-If the presence of Aedes Aegypti mosquito has been recorded in your community or workplace, use repellent authorized by Health authorities.
Consult the nearest health center if you have symptoms of infection:
-Rashes and itchy skin.
-Inflammation in joints.
-38.5 ° fever.
-Red eyes.