South Korea Warns About Spread of Zika Virus in Southeast Asia

by Karen Lydelle Linaja / Aug 23, 2016 05:59 AM EDT

South Korea warns the public for the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses such as the Zika virus and dengue fever in Southeast Asia which could increase in the second half of the year according to South Korean Health authorities.

In October, when the rainy season begins, the viral diseases transmitted by mosquitoes could travel in countries such as Philippines and Vietnam according to the forecast of Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).

Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. It was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys through a network that monitored yellow fever. It was later identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.

In 2007, the first large outbreak of disease caused by Zika virus was reported from the Island of Yap (Federated States of Micronesia).

People with Zika virus disease could have symptoms including mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days. The treatment for Zika virus are plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and common medicines to treat fever and pain. Currently, there is no available vaccine for Zika virus.

The disease would not be active in South American countries such as Argentina and Paraguay, where in the past two months, there are no cases have been reported due to its dry season according to the KCDC. Pregnant women with their partners should consider avoiding traveling to the said areas as of the moment for safety and prevention.

People who traveled in the said areas in the past two months should avoid sexual contact or wear condoms if their partner is pregnant. Furthermore, a year after the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Zika virus cases have raised and it's currently a widespread epidemic virus in South Korea.

There are 10 confirmed Zika virus cases in South Korea, 3 of the infected are from Philippines and 2 from Vietnam.