WHAT DOES ZIKA DO? The area of greatest concern is the possible link between Zika infection and birth defects, particularly microcephaly, which means “small head”. microcephaly can be caused by a variety of conditions from infections, chromosomal disorders and syndromes, to exposure to toxins and atomic blasts. Babies born with Microcephaly can have a range of disabilities, varying from mild to very severe handicap. In Brazil there has been about a 20-fold increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly since the latest Zika outbreak: jumping from 147 cases in 2014 to 2,782 in 2015; and cases have been reported in Hawaii. A direct link between Zika infection in pregnancy and microcephaly is suspected but not completely proven at this stage. CAN IT BE TREATED OR PREVENTED? There is no specific treatment or vaccine at this stage. Treatment is supportive only (to help with the symptoms) with paracetamol and codeine. Women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should think about delaying travel to areas with current outbreaks. Travel plans should be discussed with your doctor and any advice given to avoid mosquito bites (for example – using DEET repellents and covering up with long sleeves and trousers) should be strictly followed. Federal and State Departments of Health have regularly updated fact sheets including lists of countries where outbreaks have been reported. Your Local Pathology Service P Queensland’s largest provider of private pathology services. P Five laboratories and over 100 accredited collection centres within the Gold Coast region. P Southport Laboratory conveniently located within the Allamanda Hospital medical precinct. qml.com.au Dr Darina Vuong MBBS (Hons), BSc, FRCPA Consultant Histopathologist & Cytopathologist darina.vuong@qml.com.au Dr Tony Dare FRCPA MIAC Pathologist in Charge: Gold Coast & Northern Rivers anthony.dare@qml.com.au GENERAL HEALTH
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Seven
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