Treating Babies with Zika Virus in Central California

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease that spreads to humans through a mosquito bite. The virus can also spread from mother to child during pregnancy or birth, and through sexual contact.

Compared to other viruses, Zika is not common in the US. If you contract the virus while pregnant, fetal-maternal medicine specialists at Dignity Health Central California can treat you and monitor the health of your baby.

For adult and neonatal care for Zika virus in Central California, Find a Doctor near you:

• St. Joseph’s Medical Center
• Memorial Hospital
• Mercy Medical Center Merced
• Mercy Hospitals

 

Complications & Symptoms of Zika Virus

Babies who contract Zika in the womb can develop brain abnormalities, such as microcephaly, as well as other health problems. These complications are rare.

Most people with Zika virus don’t show any symptoms. If you do have zika virus symptoms, they may include: 

• Fever
• Conjunctivitis, or red inflamed eyes
• Muscle and joint pain
• Rash
• Headache 

If you or your baby shows symptoms of Zika virus, talk to your doctor or visit an emergency room at Dignity Health Central California for proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

Preventing & Treating Zika at Dignity Health Central California

Currently, there’s no vaccine to protect against Zika. Preventing the virus begins with taking steps to prevent mosquito bites:

• Avoid travel places where there’s a confirmed threat of Zika.
• Wear long sleeves and pants.
• Use insect repellant with DEET.
• Stay indoors with window screens and air conditions.

Like many other viruses, treatment for Zika virus aims to ease symptoms until the virus naturally leaves the body. For newborns, this can mean spending time in the NICU until any troubling symptoms subside. 

With proper prevention methods, you can protect yourself and your unborn baby from contracting Zika. Talk to your doctor about other ways to prevent Zika virus.

Dignity Health Central California offers compassionate treatment for babies with zika virus in Bakersfield, Merced, San Andreas, and Stockton, CA.