How can pregnant women prevent microcephaly caused by Zika virus?

Up to now, Vietnam has recorded 3 babies with microcephaly. So, how can pregnant women prevent microcephaly in their babies?

To proactively prevent the Zika virus epidemic, the Ministry of Health recommends that women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take the following measures:

Pregnant women need to take measures to prevent mosquito bites to avoid Zika virus transmission and have regular prenatal check-ups.

- Pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant should not travel to epidemic areas unless absolutely necessary.

- For pregnant women in epidemic areas or/and returning from epidemic areas, if they have symptoms such as fever, rash or other signs of illness, they should go to a medical facility to proactively declare their travel history and receive examination and consultation.

- Pregnant women in the first 3 months who are living or have been to an epidemic area and have a fever or rash and at least one of the following symptoms: muscle/joint pain, conjunctivitis need to be tested for Zika virus.

- Spouses and partners living in or returning from epidemic areas who intend to become pregnant should go to a medical facility for examination and consultation before deciding to become pregnant.

- People returning from epidemic areas need to use condoms during sex or not have sex with their wives (partners) during pregnancy to avoid transmitting Zika virus to mother and child.

Hoang Huy/ Khoeplus