Avoid kissing, abstinence to prevent Zika virus

Brazilian authorities confirmed that Zika virus in urine and saliva of two patients should recommend pregnant women restrict kissing others.

"To avoid exposure to the virus, you should not kiss," said Paulo Gadelha, president of biomedical research organization Oswaldo Cruz (Brazil). Warning published on 5/2 in the context of traditional carnival festival about to take place in Samba country.

The zebra mosquito, the Zika virus.(Photo: Reuters).

According to Reuters, using genetic testing, scientists have discovered Zika virus in urine samples, saliva of two patients is still active and capable of causing disease. The research team will look further to make sure the level of Zika spreads through the two liquids. Thus, this is the first time a mosquito-borne disease exists in saliva and human urine.

At the same time, in the United States, after identifying a case of sexually transmitted infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises couples to be ready to give birth to live or to travel to the epidemic. need to use condoms, even abstinence.

Zika virus outbreak in Brazil since October 2015 is now available in more than 30 countries. Zika is suspected of causing small head disease that causes babies to develop abnormally. In Vietnam, the virus has not yet appeared but cannot be subjective because mosquitoes transmitted Zika are also species carrying dengue fever.

How to prevent Zika virus from sexually transmitted

Women how to protect themselves not infected with Zika virus?

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take measures to prevent mosquito-borne diseases to protect themselves from being infected with Zika virus.

1. Using mosquito repellent: Mosquito repellent can be applied to exposed skin or applied to clothing
2. Clothing can cover most parts of the body
3. Close the door to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house
4. Sleep on the screen, including the daytime when Aedes mosquitoes work
5. Detect and remove areas where mosquitoes can reproduce by turning over, pouring water in unneeded water containers and covering everyday containers of water, often changing water in flower pots.

Women who are pregnant and plan to become pregnant must decide on the basis of the risk of Zika virus infection. In specific cases, should:

1. Find out information about Zika virus and mosquito-borne diseases
2. Protect yourself from mosquito bites
3. Consult a doctor or health officer if visiting Zika virus areas
4. Notice of travel plan during pregnancy check
5. Advise medical staff on closely monitoring pregnancy status when returning from areas with Zika virus.

What should pregnant women do if infected with Zika virus?

Pregnant women if infected with Zika virus should go to a medical facility for careful pregnancy counseling and care.

Can a mother transmit Zika to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth?

Zika virus has the potential to transmit from mother to child at birth, although this has not been proven. Pregnant women with symptoms of Zika virus infection should go to a health facility to closely monitor their fetus status.

Can a mother infected with Zika virus pass on to her baby when breastfeeding?

Zika virus has been detected in breast milk but there is no evidence that the virus can be passed on to children while breastfeeding. WHO continues to recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months.

Pregnant women under 6 months should limit their travel to the epidemic areas.

What should women do if they want to delay pregnancy due to worrying about a small head?

1. Pregnancy or not and when to become pregnant is an individual's decision based on adequate information and access to medical facilities.
2. Women should have access to all modern contraceptives currently available in both short and long term.

What should women do if they want to give up pregnancy due to anxiety about small head?

1. Most women in the area have Zika virus that produces normal babies.
2. Fetal ultrasound is not sufficient to identify small head unless there is a marked distortion.
3. Women who want to give up their pregnancy due to worry about small head should go to health facilities that are allowed to provide services and be consulted correctly about abortion measures.

Some reports suggest that Zika virus can be sexually transmitted, how can it be avoided?

Zika virus was found in semen, a study also showed that Zika virus can be transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. However, more evidence is needed to confirm that Zika virus can spread easily through sex.

Until fully understood, everyone living or returning from an area with Zika virus circulating should consult a health worker about the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and sexual relations measures safe. Proper use of condoms during all sexual intercourse is the most effective protection against sexually transmitted diseases.