Youth Health- Ask Dr Adeline - Zika virus: As a Seychellois youth should I be concerned? |30 September 2016

This Month’s Question:

Lately we have been hearing a lot about the Zika virus and can’t help but wonder if this is something I should be worried about?

Similar to the rest of the world, Seychelles is no exception whereby we need to ensure we raise sufficient awareness if not only what the Zika virus is but in also preventing the spreading of it. Seychelles being a small island developing state with a rather small population such a virus may spread very fast. Therefore, this month’s youth health segment brings some key information on the Zika virus and especially for many of our young travellers and Seychellois students abroad some vital prevention advice that may save your life.

How Zika spreads

Zika virus spreads to people mainly through the bite of an infected Aedesspecies mosquito (Ae. aegyptiand Ae. albopictus). Zika can also be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her sex partners and it can be spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

How do I protect myself and my family?

You can protect yourself from mosquito bites and getting Zika through sex. Zika outbreaks are currently happening in many countries and territories. The mosquitoes that can become infected with and spread Zika live in many parts of the world. Specific areas where Zika virus is spreading are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time so it is always better to take precautions. (Seychellois students travelling abroad check WHO website for more information on affected countries)

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites all day and night, whether you are inside or outside. A mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person already infected with Zika. That mosquito can then spread the virus by biting more people.

Zika virus can also spread:

-       During sex with a person who has Zika to his or her sex partners.

-       From a pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth.

-       Through blood transfusion (likely but not confirmed).

Zika symptoms

Many people infected with Zika won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes. Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache. Symptoms can last for several days to a week.

 How to prevent Zika

-       Wear light coloured long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

-       Use air conditioning and/or window and door screens or keep them closed to keep mosquitoes outside.

-       Take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside your home.

-       Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin or buy pre-treated items.

-       Use insect repellents. Always follow the product label instructions.

-       When used as directed, these insect repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

-       Do not use insect repellents on babies younger than 2 months old.

-       Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old.

-       Mosquito netting can be used to cover babies younger than 2 months old in carriers, strollers, or cribs to protect them from mosquito bites.

-       Use mosquito bed nets if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.

-       Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by using condoms or not having sex

Further information visit Health Education Seychelles Facebook Page or to Seek Advice you can contact:

Youth Health Centre

The Youth Health Centre is a youth-friendly health service located at English River, for persons between 12 and 24 years old. Call 4388562 for an appointment or email Dr Adeline directly on Email address: naomi13jf@yahoo.com

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