Zika virus detected in Vietnam
Today it was announced that two women in Vietnam have been diagnosed with the Zika virus. These are the first infections in this Asian country, according to the Vietnamese health ministry.
The women aged 64 and 33 reported flu-like symptoms at the end of March. After extensive research, the women were found to be infected with the Zika virus. Their situation is stable, according to the ministry. Family members, friends and neighbors have been extensively examined, but no infections have been found in them.
The Zika virus is very dangerous for unborn babies and pregnant women. It is well established that the Zika virus can damage the placenta and nervous system of an unborn child.
The Zika virus is spread by the yellow fever mosquito or dengue mosquito. The disease (Zika fever) is usually quite mild. In the Netherlands, infection with the Zika virus has only been detected in people who have contracted the virus abroad. It has been diagnosed in more than 40 travelers so far. Many more people have probably become infected, because only one in five people actually develop symptoms after an infection.
Advice for pregnant women and their partner
- Pregnant women and women who want to become pregnant during or shortly after the trip are advised to discuss the necessity of the trip with a doctor and to postpone non-essential trips.
- Report a recent visit to a country where the Zika virus is prevalent during regular check-ups with your midwife or doctor. Especially if complaints occur within two weeks after returning that are consistent with an infection by the Zika virus.
- As a precaution, men who have been to countries where the Zika virus is prevalent and have a pregnant wife are advised to use a condom for sexual contact up to one month after their return. This also applies to men who have had no complaints.
- Women who want to become pregnant are advised to postpone this until one month after returning from a country where the Zika virus is prevalent. In the meantime, use a condom or other contraceptive during sexual intercourse.