ZIKA VIRUS: Postpone pregnancy call to Kuna Yala

 WITH 42  laboratory  confirmed  cases of the, Zika virus and more under investigation,  the Ministry of Health (MoH)  has recommended that women of childbearing status in the  Kuna Yala region,  postpone pregnancy.

Israel Cedeño, of Epidemiology MoH l said the disease has spread throughout the region, with   confirmed cases  in Ustupu, Achutupo, Mulatupo, and  reports in Playon Chico, Corazon de Jesus, Narganá and Puerto Obaldia.

Pregnant women have been, warned to watch for the first symptoms, which are often skin rash, and seek medical attention. Other symptoms include headache, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting.

Pregnant women are under tight watch with the supposed connection between Zika and microcephaly, a birth defect in which the infant is born with a small head and developmental problems.

In Brazil, according to official figures 4000 cases of microcephaly have been identified since October, compared to less than 150 in the whole of  2014.

Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika are Aedes aegypti-borne diseases and the the population has been urged to eliminate breeding sites.

On Monday, Jan.25,  the World Health Organization said it is likely that the  Zika virus, will move  to all countries of the American continent except  Chile and Canada.