IndexIntroductionZika VirusSigns and SymptomsVulnerable GroupSocial FactorsProtection and PreventionRisk CommunicationConclusionIntroductionRisk communication is the sharing of ideas and knowledge between two parties about the nature, purpose and risk control. Risk communication in public health involves engaging the public and responding to questions and concerns, as well as providing important public health messages. Risk communication helps the public make decisions about risk reduction measures and also helps improve public knowledge of potential and actual threats to health. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay The Zika virus epidemic was first reported in Africa and Asia in 2007. Subsequently, there was the large outbreak in the Pacific Islands in 2013 and 2015, and in America the Zika virus it is still ongoing. In South Asian countries such as Thailand and Indonesia, there is evidence that Zika virus cases have been present at low levels for several years. This article analyzes risk communication plans against the Zika virus. Zika Virus Zika virus is the mosquito-borne flavivirus that is affected by the virus originally transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. This mosquito usually bites during the day, mainly in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. The same mosquitoes can also cause yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya. The Zika virus can be transferred from mother to fetus during pregnancy causing microcephaly, through sexual contact, transmission of blood and blood products, organ transplantation and has also been detected in semen, urine, amniotic fluid, saliva along with fluids bodies found in the brain and spinal cord. Signs and Symptoms It normally takes 3 to 12 days for symptoms to appear once a person is infected with the Zika virus. The person infected with the Zika virus may experience flu-like symptoms, fever, skin rash, muscle and joint pain, headache especially in the back of the eyes, conjunctivitis, weakness and lack of energy. These symptoms last only a few days, so people have to undergo a mild infection without any difficulty. However, it is generally accepted that the Zika virus is passed from mother to fetus, causing small head and brain size known as microcephaly. Scientists have shown that the Zika virus can induce the paralytic condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can also be caused by other viruses and bacteria. Vulnerable group Women infected with Zika virus during pregnancy are associated with birth defects and unpleasant pregnancy outcomes, so we can say that women during pregnancy are highly regarded as a vulnerable population group with additional needs. The Zika virus is the leading cause of pregnancy complications leading to miscarriages, stillbirths, stillbirths and premature births. Social factors Social and environmental factors contribute to the emergence of the Zika virus. For example, many people are exposed to the high density of infected mosquitoes due to social change during and after the natural disaster. Furthermore, due to the earthquake that hit the province of Manabí in April 2016, this led to the destruction of infrastructure, contamination of water sources and forcing people to go outdoors, resulting in an increase in local transmission of the Zika virus and also an increase in the rate of human contact with mosquitoesinfected. Likewise, people living in poor urban areas with inadequate sanitation, water access and infrastructure are susceptible to the Zika virus. Protection and prevention The main solution for preventing Zika virus infection is to protect yourself from mosquito bites during day and evening, especially attention is paid to pregnant women, women of reproductive age and young children. For personal protection, people should wear clothing that covers as much of the part of the body exposed to mosquito bites as possible and use physical barriers such as closing windows and doors and applying insect protection creams to the skin. Small children should always sleep under a mosquito net if they sleep during the day and evening. The Aedes mosquito is mainly found in small water collections around the home, school and workplace, so the water storage container should always be covered and the surrounding area should always be kept clean and odor-free. People should be updated regularly with information to encourage the individual towards consistent behavioral change and reduce the possibility of confusion and panic. Risk communication Communication has become as essential to epidemic control as epidemiological training and laboratory testing. WHO and CDC have developed guidance manuals for outbreak communication that provide an evidence-based framework and best practices for communicating on behalf of an organization responding to public health emergencies. The CDC's Crisis and Emergency Risk Communications Manual establishes six principles for effective emergency and risk communications, which include being first, being right, being credible, expressing empathy, promoting action, and showing respect. The manual also helps to ensure that limited resources are managed well and to do the best at every stage of the emergency response. Credibility refers to honesty and truthfulness during crises. The key principle of epidemic communication is to communicate in a way that builds, maintains, or restores trust between the public and epidemic managers. Without this trust, the public will not believe or act on health information communicated by health authorities during an epidemic. Announcing information in advance or being first is also an important principle that prevents rumors and misinformation. For members of the public, communicating information quickly is critical because crises are urgent and the first source of information often becomes the preferred source. Accuracy or being right establishes credibility. Information in risk communication can include what is known, what is not known, and what is being done to fill gaps. WHO also recommends ongoing transparency to maintain public trust during an epidemic, including timely and complete information. Expressing empathy is also one of the principles of risk communication. Suffering during emergencies should be acknowledged verbally. Addressing people's feelings and the challenges they face builds trust and rapport. Aligning with this respectful communication is especially important when people feel vulnerable to foster cooperation and rapport. Emergency risk communication is increasingly recognized as significant to public health emergency preparedness and response, as evidenced by its inclusion as one of the 8 International Health Regulations Core Capabilities Needed by Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen national and global systems to detect and respond to threats.