Costa Rica failing to protect the unborn against the Zika Virus

Costa Rica failing to protect the unborn against the Zika Virus

With the numbers of infected people increasing steadily since the outbreak of the Zika virus, the Ministry of Health promised over two months ago to provide protection kits to all pregnant women in Costa Rica.  These few vital items such as safe repellents and mosquito nets, along with practical advice to those at serious risk, have still yet to be distributed by the authorities.

An example of a pregnancy kit, recommended by the CDC (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention)

Pregnancy kits to prevent the zika virus in Costa Rica

In the meantime, the number of pregnant women contracting the virus has risen, with a reported 15 more affected cases in the past week.

The Institution´s press office have spoken little about the status of these kits, with only a mention last Thursday that they plan to deliver them soon.

With the thousands descending this weekend to watch the ISA World Surfing Games in Jacó, it is paramount that Costa Rica steps up to the plate and deals immediately and efficiently with this most dangerous disease.   Assurances have been given by the Municipal Authorities of Garabito, that the region is safe for the 2016 World Surfing Games in Jacó, although 116 cases have already been reported from the canton, almost half of the entire number to date in Costa Rica.

If you are pregnant or planning to become, the CDC (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention) offers specific advice to those at high-risk in Costa Rica.  Infected by the zika virus, there´s a 14% chance the baby will be born with microcephaly; an abnormal smallness of the head with incomplete, irreversible brain development.

The safest of all measures is to avoid traveling to high-risk areas and talk first to your doctor about the zika virus, preferably before conception.  If you are pregnant and have returned with your partner from such alerted places, then it is advised to avoid sex or use a condom until the baby is born.

Basic Steps to prevent Zika Virus in Pregnancy

CDC advise on the zika virus in Costa Rica

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