The Zika virus is a major, pressing virus that has not spread to America, but studies say it soon will. The Zika virus has been around since 1947, but in the past year, it has started to spread rapidly. Many people are becoming infected with the Zika virus, and women who are pregnant are giving birth to children with microcephaly (small heads). In the past six months, the Zika virus has spread from Southeast Asia and Africa to Brazil, where there was an outbreak last May. With time, dedication and knowledge, we can start to reduce the spread of Zika and help improve the lives of those infected.
The Zika virus hasn't always been a threat to society. It had been very docile for many years until the current outbreak began. “For decades it laid
…show more content…
There are other, smaller ways that Zika can be spread, like through needle contact, but they are less common when it comes to spreading it. The mosquito itself is not infected, but when it bites an infected person, it then carries their blood. When a mosquito bites you, it spreads the blood from the infected person through your skin, thus getting you infected also. “The Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, the same mosquito that spreads dengue and chikungunya” (Calaway). With all the people now becoming infected, the mosquitoes are able to spread Zika faster and faster, creating the epidemic we’re in. If a woman who is pregnant is bitten by a mosquito with Zika, the child can also be severely infected because the virus travels from mother to child and it can impair the way the child is growing in its mother’s stomach. Another way to spread Zika is through sexual intercourse. “In known cases of likely sexual transmission, the men had Zika symptoms, but the virus can be transmitted before, during, and after symptoms develop” (Transmission and Risks). The virus is present in semen longer then it is present in blood, which is another possible way to spread Zika. The last transmission form is blood-to-blood contact. If a person with an open wound comes into contact with another person who has had or has Zika, and they make blood to blood contact, they are likely to get the virus. The people who mainly have to worry about spreading or contracting Zika this way is medical professionals, and individuals who work in dangerous areas with an increased chance of
By getting the virus from a bite the mosquito must already be infected itself. There are studies currently happening trying to figure out how long exactly does the virus stay inside the semen and vaginal fluids of those who are infected, also being studied is how long it can be passed to their partners. Although the U.S. hasn't seen any cases of the disease being transmitted by blood transfusion it has been seen in other places in the world. An example would be the French Polynesian outbreak, around 2% of those donating blood tested positive for Zika however, in previous outbreaks the virus was also found. Just one case in the United States shows of someone getting ill through a laboratory yet, prior situations show four cases of someone getting the virus in a laboratory
As of now, there is no official vaccine for Zika. Instead, a patient that has the contagion must undergo certain treatments. Fortunately, the remedies for the virus are simple and cheap. If infection occurs, it is vital to get an abundance of rest and liquids; medication is also advised to assist in alleviating pain. The treatments for Zika are straightforward because the disease itself is rather mild. In fact, in most reported cases of the virus in the United States, the illness only lasted approximately two to seven days prior to the first set of symptoms (“World Health Organization”). It is evident that the fear associated with the Zika Virus is slightly exaggerated. Currently, there is only one recorded fatality in the United States that is directly related to Zika (“The Washington Post”). This is mainly because first world countries’ medical programs are advanced enough to effectively treat the virus. The standard of living in these countries are also higher compared to third world countries. That is why Zika has claimed a significant amount of lives worldwide; the poor conditions in these countries make it difficult for infected individuals to get proper
The growing concern of the Zika outbreak that originated back in 1947 Uganda in monkeys and later crossed over to humans in 1952 has now reached several countries. These outbreaks are occurring in Brazil and reportedly more than 7,000 people have been infected from mosquito bites. On February 1, 2016 the World Health Organization declared the Zika a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. To combat the issue Louisville activated the “Zika Response Action Plan, which provides guidelines for preparation and response to the virus in the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) jurisdiction” (ZIKA Response plan, 2016). The plan being used by Louisville demonstrates the prevention and mitigation being executed
The appearance and spread of the Zika virus inside the United States has recently made a huge impact on our society and healthcare professionals. The virus is being passed from an infected mother to her unborn child causing severe, life-altering disabilities and defects. More and more cases of the virus are being reported, with the biggest impact on the development of unborn babies. With no vaccine to protect against Zika, it is especially critical for pregnant women to take precautions when being exposed to mosquitoes, the primary vector for Zika.
Many scientists all around have heard of a virus before, but not as infectious as the zika virus. This virus can ruin a little infant. But one truism statement about this virus, which freaks out scientists, is that it is carried by mosquitos. Terrible isn't it? If I were you, I would think to myself what will make this virus restrain itself? Well in order to stop it the best solution is to splat the mosquitos; because well let's face it, mom's little children that have been born wouldn't want to have a small head and a big body. Lots of people came back with this virus but the devastated citizens didn't notice this virus coming to
February 1, 2016 the World Health announced a PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concern) that declared the Zika virus was a global health emergency. Brazil being the most affected country in the world right now has cases where pregnant women with the virus have given birth to children with smaller heads causing their brains to not develop correctly.The Zika virus is a flavivirus (Karimi) that is related to the common dengue virus and West Nile disease. A flavivirus is a group of RNA (a ribonucleic acid), that are mostly carried by mosquitoes, flies, fleas, etc. The virus carried causes severe human diseases, that are most commonly related to the Dengue and West Nile disease. The disease
The CDC (2016a) reports that there are few cases of the disease in the U.S. (82 to date), and all but nine of these cases were in individuals who had returned from travel to regions where the virus is present. They also clarify that as a vector-borne disease, Zika cannot be transmitted through contact with infected persons, but
What is the Zika virus exactly? Have you heard of it before? Have you seen what it has done? It's just now starting to affect people in the U.S. The Zika virus is a usually mild disease that's transmitted through mosquitos. Most people recover, and severe illness or deaths from the virus are rare. The Zika virus is especially dangerous for pregnant women and their babies, and is thought to be spread around Central and South America to which pregnant women have been advised to not travel, because of results in sickness, and fatal birth defects in newborn babies. However many things are being done to fight the virus at all costs.
The Zika virus is spreading throughout the world. The Zika is a virus spread through mosquito bites. The Zika virus isn’t a new virus, it was discovered in the 1940s. The Zika virus has increased in places like Brazil and French Polynesia. The virus is harmful to pregnant women because, it increases the change in babies being born with microcephaly. If I was in this situation, I would wear thick clothing to prevent a mosquito from biting me. The conflict could be solved with more treatment being made.
The easiest way the Zika virus can be transmitted is by being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the two mosquitoes that generally carry dengue virus and chikunguya as well as the Zika virus carry the Zika virus (“Destination News – Asia”). With the rise people infected with the Zika virus, these two mosquitos are expected to expand to other countries (see figure
The Zika virus’s northwards travel from South America has been a trending topic and, often, the reports raise as many questions as they answer. With a history of enabling peace of mind through pandemic consulting, Iridia Medical wants to clear up any misconceptions and rumours by sharing concise and accurate information about this virus.
Disease is a very scary thing. It causes death and destruction from the inside, influencing changes and affecting people. A new contagious disease has arisen in south america, and it could potentially affect the human race. Scientists are struggling and rushing to find the cure. Despite not being lethal, this new threatening Zika virus could really make some big changes.
The Zika Virus has taken the country by storm in recent months. The virus is spreading explosively across South and Central America. Zika is a virus which was thought to be previously harmless, but recently,
(U.S. Department of Health & Human Services , 2016) Zika infection can be spread from a pregnant woman to her baby and has been connected to a genuine conception deformity of the brain called microcephaly in infants of moms who had Zika infection during pregnancy. This infection was found in regions of Africa, Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia and some American Islands. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2016) a more detailed study Zika fever, it appears that the infection that carries the so-called Egyptian mosquitoes, was first identified by scientists in 1948. This type of virus that causes the disease among African monkeys living in the forest Zika in Uganda. According to historical references periodically people in Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt, Central African Republic, Nigeria and Sierra - Leone were infected with the virus. However, public ignored these facts. One can only assume that the individual facts of human infection with no deaths for scientists do not represent scientific interest. This phenomenon did not cause any fear in medical community either presumably for the reason that the number of victims was not so big (15 people within 60 years).
Zika can also be spread through blood contact and can be sexually transmitted. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising women and men whose partners may be infected with Zika to abstain from sexual activities or use protection. While in most cases, Zika only gives people flu-like symptoms, in pregnant women, this disease can be very dangerous. In many cases, Zika has caused serious birth