2. How Do You Avoid It?
There is currently no cure or vaccine to protect against the Ziak virus, but the Brazilian health minister has pledged to pour money into research. Even then, it is thought that a vaccine could be at least three years off, and the current advice is that women should avoid getting pregnant for the next few years whilst it is developed, in order to avoid the risk of microcephaly. For now, people in the affected areas are advised to avoid getting bitten at all costs. Wear long sleeves, use insect repellents and keep windows closed. The mosquitos are mostly active during the day, but a bed-net might still be a good idea. Getting rid of any standing water will eliminate breeding grounds for the mosquitoes. Anyone who thinks they might be infected should avoid being bitten again (as this is what spreads it), and anyone who has travelled to an affected area should not have unprotected sex for at least 28 days, even if they present no symptoms.