Heart To Heart International is working with The University of Kansas Hospital to talk about ways to prevent Zika from spreading.
Just weeks ago the first case of Zika was reported in Missouri from a man who may have contracted the virus while traveling in the Caribbean nation of Haiti. Leaders with Heart to Heart International said the best way neighbors in Kansas City can help prevent the spread of the disease is to donate to Heart to Heart so they are able to get supplies that are needed on the ground in Haiti.
The virus, which can be transmitted by mosquito bite, unprotected sexual contact or from mother to child during pregnancy, is believed to cause microcephaly (abnormally small heads and brains) in infants. Less severe symptoms include fever, rash and joint soreness, but most people who contract Zika are asymptomatic and may not know they have it, according to the CDC.
Because there is no vaccine for Zika virus, the CDC encourages people traveling to Zika-affected areas to wear EPA-registered insect repellant and practice safe sex with their partners. The CDC also encourages pregnant women to avoid traveling to these areas at all in order to protect their children's future health.
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Alyson Bruner can be reached at alyson.bruner@kshb.com.
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