The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released their own series of infographics designed to raise the public's awareness on the Zika virus and how they can prevent themselves from contracting it.
In the WHO's set of infographics, the United Nations agency highlighted how an international team of experts investigated early cases of Zika infection in Brazil.
Data gathered through consultations with national and local public health authorities in the country allowed the group to publish facts and figures regarding the disease on the dedicated Zika virus website.
The WHO also began releasing updates on current developments and progress made in curbing the spread of the infection starting on February 1.
The agency has also issued an advisory to pregnant women regarding their potential exposure to the Zika virus when they travel to areas where the infection already exists.
People are also advised to take precautionary measures if they want to have sexual activity with their partners who have recently traveled to a country where the Zika virus has been confirmed. One of these measures is to have protected sex for at least four weeks following their trip to these areas.
The CDC, on the other hand, presents people with a list of known symptoms of Zika infection. These include conjunctivitis (or reddening of the eyes), fever, joint pains and the sudden appearance of rashes.
The U.S. health agency said that there are certain aspects to the Zika virus that are still unknown to medical researchers such as the possibility of a pregnant women transferring the infection to their unborn child and if the infection can cause babies to develop birth defects.
The CDC infographic also indicated that there is still no known vaccine or cure for the Zika virus.
Since the Zika virus is known to be spread by Aedes mosquitoes, the WHO advises people to wear clothing that can cover their body well. They can also use mosquito nets and insect repellents to prevent themselves from being bitten by these pests.
Residents are also advised to keep their surroundings clean in order to discourage disease-carrying mosquitoes from establishing breeding grounds. Not only does this help prevent the spread of the Zika virus, but it also reduces people's risk of contracting other diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.
