Zika is an illness caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, it has been present in Nigeria for many years and it does not pose any danger to everybody. However, Zika has been linked to small headed babies of infected pregnant women.

It has affected many countries in South America including the United States of America.  Zika is trending as a disease of international significance.

Symptoms

Zika is like malaria, causing fever joint and body aches, cough, sore throat, poor appetite and vomiting. Unlike malaria, it has no treatment and the affected person usually usually overcomes the infection by neutralising the virus through his body immune systems.

Pregnant women who develop these symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to mosquito bites in Zika affected areas are strongly advised to attend hospital for attention.

Prevention

Avoid mosquitoes, destroy mosquito breeding areas like in Malaria

Refer any pregnant woman suspected exposed to Zika to hospital for further investigations