Recent cases of the Zika Virus have been reported in the U.S. It is wise to note travel notices to be aware if this virus may be near you.

Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites.


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What is Zika Virus

The Zika virus was first discovered in Uganda in the Zika forest, where the virus derives its name, in 1947. The virus, transmitted through infected Aedes mosquitoes, was common in both Africa and Asia but spread to the Western Hemisphere through unknown reasons when a Zika outbreak hit Brazil in early 2015. Few people in this corner of the world have developed immune defenses to this virus, which has enabled the Zika virus to spread at an alarming rate.

Furthermore, not only is this virus transmitted through mosquito bites, but it can also be transmitted sexually by male carriers. And because only one in five persons infected show symptoms, it can be difficult for any individual to know whether or not they even carry the virus. Those that do show symptoms will exhibit a fever, a skin rash, conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle and joint aches, and/or a headache. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of unknowns in this area of transmission.

Origins:

Prior to 2015, Zika virus outbreaks occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infections in Brazil.

Areas with Zika

Currently, outbreaks are occurring in many countries. No local mosquito-borne Zika virus disease cases have been reported in US states, but there have been travel-associated cases.

Check out the CDC’s List of travel notices and places that have the Zika Virus here. 

Symptoms and Treatment

The most common symptoms of Zika are:

  • fever
  • rash
  • joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes).
  • Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache.

The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) for Zika virus is likely to be a few days to a week. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week.

There is no vaccine or medicine to treat Zika infections. Sleeping, drinking of plenty of water, and avoiding sugar are the most effective ways to pass the virus.

The best strategy to stay safe from Zika is prevention. We suggest using all natural and nontoxic mosquito prevention before going outside.

Dangers of Zika for Pregnant Woman

According to the Center for Disease Control, “In early 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects and poor pregnancy outcomes.

Zika virus can be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly in babies of mothers who had Zika virus while pregnant.”

Women who are pregnant should take caution traveling to places that have been infected with Zika.

It is important to note that most mosquito repellants are highly toxic and not safe for pregnant women to use. Considering that anything that you put on your skin is absorbed into your blood stream within 30 seconds, we suggest that pregnant woman use a non-toxic form of protection like Osana Antimosquito Soap– so both mom and baby will stay protected naturally without negative side effects.

How do You Protect Yourself?

How do you protect yourself and your loved ones? According to the World Health Organization, “the best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.” This is where Osana all natural mosquito soap comes in. The Soap That Saves. Osana soap utilizes all-natural ingredients to produce a natural mosquito repellent. So after the advisable three consecutive showers with this soap, you can ward off these pesky insects when you go camping next week, while you’re grilling hot dogs for the Fourth of July, or when you decide to finally mow the grass. And the best part? With your purchase of the Osana soap package, you will be donating an Osana bar to a community in need overseas: in Brazil, Uganda, Tanzania, Haiti, The Dominican Republic, or Ghana. These communities do not have the luxuries we enjoy or the same protection against mosquitoes that we often take for granted. 1.8 MILLION people die of mosquito and sanitation related illnesses every year. And with this Zika virus epidemic in tow, it is even more crucial for us to remedy this blatant lack of protection now.

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