The Zika virus How it is passed on and prevention measures

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Zika virus a global health emergency, as this mosquito-borne infection has been associated with neurological diseases in newborns.

The Zika virus is an emerging virus transmitted mainly by the Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms of the Zika virus are mild. However, a growing number of preliminary studies have led to scientific consensus that the Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Prevention is key in avoiding the Zika virus

The WHO and Spanish Ministry of Health recommend the use of insect repellent containing active ingredients like IR 3535, which is safe for pregnant women. Pregnant women should be extremely cautious and avoiding mosquito bites, as they are the main risk group for the Zika virus.

"The best prevention measure is to use insect repellent that contains IR 3535, such as Antimosquitos ISDIN Xtrem."

Dr. Sofia Fournier

Obstetrics and foetal medicine Clínica Dexeus

ISDIN recomends...

Antimosquitos ISDIN XTREM

AntiMosquitos ISDIN XTREM

High efficiency for extreme conditions

Insect repellent sprays IR3535 30%

Recommended for areas with high risk of transmission of tropical diseases.

Effective against Mosquito Aedes1,2.

Expiration date: 3 years. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

Effectiveness tested against Mosquito Aedes1,2

1. F.Faccioli, Eurofins test center: Biolab S.p.A. 2009746 INC, September 2009. 2. Liebisch A., Institut für Parasitologie der Tierärztlichen Hochschule, Hannover, 1981. 3. Shashina N.I, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, 1998. 4. Yap H.H., Vector Control Research Unit, University Sains Malaysia, 1998. 5. F.Faccioli, Eurofins test center: Biolab S.p.A. 20121086 INC, July 2012. 6. Kuhlow, F., Bernhard Nocht-Institut, Hamburg, 1975. 7. Buczek A., Department of Biology and Parasitology, Silesian Medical Academy, Katowice, Poland, 1996.

6 key questions to learn more about the Zika virus

1

How can you get the Zika virus?

The Zika virus is transmitted mainly by the Aedes mosquitoes, including the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopicius (Asian tiger mosquito). It can also be sexually transmitted.

2 What are the symptoms of the Zika virus?

In general, the symptoms of the Zika virus are mild and manifest a few days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some people can have conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, and malaise, lasting 2-7 days.

3

Where is the Zika virus found?

Local transmission of the virus through bites from Aedes mosquitoes has been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

4

How can you protect against mosquito bites?

The best strategy to protect against the Zika virus is to avoid mosquito bites. Plus, you can take other preventative measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:

Use insect repellents that contain IR 3535, which is one of the most common bioactive products. Pregnant women can use this type of repellents, as they are non-toxic.

Avoid and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds (places where water can accumulate, even in small amounts, such as buckets, pot-plants and old tires).

Sleep under a mosquito net or use window screens.

Wear clothes that cover your whole body as much as possible.

5 What should people do when travelling to areas affected by the Zika virus?

Travellers should find out more about the Zika virus, as they would with any other mosquito-borne illness, such as chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever. Insect repellent with IR 3535 is recommended.

Pregnant women should also avoid travelling to areas with recorded Zika outbreaks and should practice safe sex or abstinence during pregnancy if their partners live or have lived in those areas.*

6 Zika and pregnancy?

Women who are pregnant or want to get pregnant should be extra careful to protect against bites from mosquitoes that transmit this virus. Want to know more? Get an expert opinion here.

*Source: WHO