1. The virus:The Zika virus was discovered for the first time in apes, back in 1947. However, it has only been spreading epidemically in South America since 2015. As a result, we do not have any medications or vaccinations to use against this virus at present. In 80% of cases, infection does not lead to any symptoms. The possible symptoms are fever, skin rash, vomiting and/or muscle and joint pain.
2. Consequences: Up to now, only a few fatalities have been reported in association with the Zika virus. Experts have connected the virus to problems such as microcephaly in new-born babies. During pregnancy, this leads to substantial deformations of the baby’s skull and brain, causing permanent effects.
3. Infection: The virus is transmitted by yellow fever mosquitoes. These mainly bite during the day and early evening. These blood sucking insects react particularly aggressively in the shade and at twilight.
4. Spread: According to the latest reports from the WHO, the Zika virus has already been found in over 33 different countries. Latin American countries such as Brazil and Colombia are particularly badly affected, but so also are countries such as the Caribbean Islands.
5. Protection: Seek advice from a doctor specialising in tropical medicine before you travel to any areas that are affected by tropical diseases. Whenever possible, wear clothes that are long and light-coloured. During the daytime and the evening, protect yourself with a mosquito spray that has been tried and tested against yellow fever mosquitoes, such as kik SENSITIVE, and use a mosquito net over your bed.

If you have any further questions about the Zika virus or about kik repellent and its application, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sources: Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, doctor of tropical medicine, the “NZZ”