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is only one contributor. Epidemiologists are watching this phenomenon carefully. So far 18 Zika-affected babies have been born in the United States (with an additional five stillbirths), and at least one affected child has been born in Europe. The birth defects associated with Zika virus occur on a continuum of severity. Microcephaly can cause difficulties and delays in balance, communication, eating, movement, and intellectual development. Some children have seizure disorders as well. At the mild end of the spectrum, a child may have only minor problems and incapacity. But severe cases may cause completely disabling limitations or stillbirth. Guillain-Barré Syndrome GBS is an autoimmune attack on the myelin of peripheral neurons. It is an occasional complication of viral infections, and it is sometimes seen with severe cases of Zika virus. So far, 34 cases of Zika-related GBS have been identified in the continental United States. Here are some basics: • It can affect myelin sheaths on peripheral neurons in the trunk and extremities. • It can cause progressive weakness that moves from the extremities to the core; this may lead to temporary dependence on a respirator. • It is usually self-limiting and resolves without permanent damage. • If it is treated early, the duration and severity of GBS can be managed. ZIKA PREVENTION AND TREATMENT At this point, the best way to prevent Zika infections is to avoid travel to areas where the virus is present in the local mosquito population. This also shows how important it is for a person who may have been infected to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes that can carry the virus to new human hosts. Limiting mosquito bites is a crucial step in managing the spread of Zika in humans. The Centers for Disease Control recommend several mosquito repellants including DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 42 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 6 The course of the infection is fairly brief. The incubation period between exposure and signs of infection is between 3–12 days. Symptoms, if any occur, usually last for less than a week. Zika can be diagnosed with a blood test or by urinalysis. Tests are sometimes inaccurate, however, and it can be difficult to distinguish from dengue fever. TWO MAIN COMPLICATIONS Zika virus itself does not appear to be dangerous to children and adults. The vast majority of infected people have no symptoms, and almost everyone can expect full recovery. However, this virus is associated with two serious complications: a set of birth defects that impact how the brain grows and a risk for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)—an autoimmune reaction to viral infection. Birth Defects For reasons that are not clear, some women who contract Zika infections while they are pregnant give birth to babies with a condition called microcephaly (translated literally, "small head") or other defects that impair cognition, hearing, and vision. Microcephaly is not exclusive to babies of mothers infected with Zika; it can also be caused by other viral infections, malnutrition, and other factors. The typical rate of microcephaly is about 2–12 per every 10,000 live births. However, in areas where Zika is present, that rate spikes substantially higher; scientists estimate that up to 15 percent of infected pregnant women may give birth to a baby with these problems, as opposed to the .0012 percent that would otherwise be expected. Between the beginning of the Brazilian outbreak of Zika in May 2015 and autumn 2016, more than 1,400 babies with Zika- related microcephaly have been born in Brazil. Local governments of several South American countries are now encouraging all their female citizens to delay conception for two years, by which time it is hoped this situation will be more under control. Now, several months after the initial wave, the expected spike in births of microcephalic babies in Brazil has not occurred. It could be that it is still to come, or that many cases of birth defects are multi-factoral, and exposure to Zika Resources Bhagyashri, D. Navalkele et al. Medscape. "Zika Virus." Accessed September 2016. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2500035-overview. Branswell, H. STAT. "Scientists Zero in on Microcephaly Risk for Babies Born to Zika- Infected Mothers." Accessed September 2016. www.statnews.com/2016/05/25/zika- microcephaly-what-is-risk/. Butler, D. Nature. "Brazil Asks Whether Zika Acts Alone to Cause Birth Defects." Accessed September 2016. www.nature.com/news/brazil-asks-whether-zika-acts- alone-to-cause-birth-defects-1.20309. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "About Zika." Accessed September 2016. www.cdc.gov/zika/about/index.html. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Mosquito Control." Accessed September 2016. www.cdc.gov/zika/vector/index.html. RT. "Zika Virus: 3 More US Babies Born with Birth Defects." Accessed September 2016. www.rt.com/usa/349083-3-more-zika-babies-us/.