Zika Virus In South America Essay

First isolated from a rhesus monkey in Uganda, the Zika virus (ZIK V) did not pose a serious global threat until recent outbreaks in 2007 on Yap Island in Micronesia and the current outbreak which began in 2013 in the French Polynesia. And, although the virus is transmitted via infected mosquitoes, studies indicate that the disease potentially can be transmitted sexually (Musso, D., Roche, C., Robin, E., Nhan, T., Teissier, A., and

Consequently, the spread of the Zika virus from its originating countries of Africa and Asia, to American countries has linked the virus as an ongoing epidemic. Due to climate changes, warmer winter temperatures, there is an increase of egg survival (Ali, 2017). Warmer spring, summer, and fall temperatures may also lengthen the season transmission of the virus in temperate regions as well. In addition, the spread of the flu- like virus in humans is is also due to natural disasters, such as, earthquakes and hurricanes destroying homes forcing residents to sleep outside exposing themselves to infected mosquitoes. International travelers are also at potential risk of contracting the virus, especially in industrialized countries. Furthermore, pregnant women or women of child bearing age should refrain from traveling to countries that are known for the Zika mosquito infestation.

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

This result has been 30 times higher than pre-Zika virus years and there has been more birth defect within the first trimester. The result of the study indicated that 15% of women with confirmed Zika infection during the first trimester had babies with birth defects and that almost every state reported one woman with suspected Zika infection during pregnancy. Based on the report, infants born to women with evidence of possible Zika virus infection should follow-up and routine development assessment that will help identify for future outcomes associated with the Zika virus. Neuroimaging test is needed to detect these abnormalities. The report also indicates that the study has at least four limitations and that there was limited data about the maternal risk factors such as genetic or other infectious causes, which could has been the reason for some of the birth defects reported in the study. Overall, the result of this study is important because it gives more information about the Zika virus and how is affecting pregnant women in U.S.

This article focuses on the outbreak of the Zika virus, which has recently begun spreading across the world with an emphasis on Latin American countries Brazil and Colombia. There are currently over 26,000 people who have been confirmed as infected with the virus in Colombia alone and this number is expected to rise dramatically to about 600,000 within the coming months considering the location and altitude of the countries and the frequency of their carrier mosquito. The virus has no vaccine yet; all prevention methods are focused on controlling the mosquitos spreading the disease by promoting proper sanitation regarding dirty water storage and accumulated trash. Among the people infected is 16-year-old Angie Paola Castro, one of 3,177 women

In the recent article, “Zika outbreak: What you need to know” by the BBC, the World Health Organization released valuable information regarding how to detect the disease, and what steps you can take to prevent it. Some of the common symptoms of Zika are; mild fever, red and sore eyes, headaches, joint pain, and rashes. Death from Zika is rare, but a very uncommon disorder can be caused by Zika called Guillain-Barré syndrome. This disorder will cause temporary paralysis. As of now, there are no drugs or vaccines that will help prevent Zika, but those who have the disease should rest and drink plenty of water. The largest concern regarding Zika is the impact it has on fetuses still developing in the womb. Zika can cause another serious disorder

Zika virus creates a trepidation among people as it is spreading across South and Central America. We hear it every day as it is procuring Ebola-level awareness. In her article, “An Illustrated Guide To The Zika Outbreak, published in February 3rd of 2016, Anna Almendrala enumerates the effects of Zika virus and the alarming fear it causes among the people. “Brazilian health authorities notified the World Health Organization that an alarming number of Brazilian babies had been born with microcephaly, a rare, debilitating birth defect with lifelong consequences. Researchers quickly linked the spike in birth defects to the outbreak of a little-known tropical disease called Zika virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes” (Almendrala). The author expounds the fatal consequence to babies born with birth defects such as microcephaly: the condition where infants born with undersized heads. The author emphasizes the relation between Zika virus and microcephaly. Microcephaly is the condition where infants born with undersized heads. Almendrala’s purpose is to convey the idea of how the Zika virus is spread across the countries through mosquitoes and she informs the audience to take special care of pregnant women as they are more prone to the Zika virus and always be vigilant while traveling to countries that are affected by Zika virus, especially African, Central and South America where more people are affected by Zika virus and more babies are born with undersized heads caused by

This BBC News article discusses the spreading Zika virus in Spain. Sources in Spain have broken the news that the first diagnosed case of a pregnant woman contracting the virus had occurred in the country of Spain. The article discusses how this case, as well as most other cases currently diagnosed in Spain, had been contracted outside of the country in regions where the virus is rampant. The article also talks about the widespread fear that the Zika virus is the cause of some birth defects, specifically underdeveloped brains in infants.

The Zika virus has been spreading rapidly throughout Latin America in the past year, causing many health and religious controversies in these countries. The World Health Organization declared an international public health emergency and stated that at least 20 countries or territories have “registered transmission of the virus” (Partlow). Some of these governments, including Colombia and Jamaica, are urging women to avoid becoming pregnant for a few months because of the virus, whereas El Salvador asked its women to refrain until 2018 (Partlow). A majority of the regions hit by the Zika virus are Roman Catholic. This is causing controversies because even with the risks and effects of the virus, Catholic leaders are still discouraging women from using contraceptives or abortions (Goodstein). This rigid stance from the church may cause more division than progress.

The Zika virus has had a constant presence in the news for the past few months. This article describes Ana Gabriela do Prado Paschoal's struggles. She contracted the Zika virus while pregnant with her now three month old daughter Maria. Maria now suffers from brain lesions, stiff muscles, and brain damage. With the help of scans, imaging, and autopsies doctors learned that the Zika virus eats away at the fetal brain. It is responsible for shrinking or destroying the part of the brain that controls vision, thought process, and other basic functions.

Stein also reports that microcephaly in infants due to the Zika virus is rare, but the risk has been increased in Brazil, due to the endemic status of the infection (Stein, 2016). This article mainly focuses on pregnant women and their children,

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

As of now, there is no vaccines or medications to eradicate the zika virus. However, Inovio Pharmaceuticals are in the progress of working on a vaccine for the zike virus (Fellner, 2016). There are methods to help decrease an individual of contacting the virus. Since the zika virus can be spread by sexual contact, men and women should adhere to strict guidelines to prevent transmission of the virus. The CDC advise men that traveled or resided in an active zika infected area, the men should avoid having sexual contact with the spouse or use latex condoms during any sexual contact. Individuals that are exposed to the zika virus should not donate blood. In the environmental efforts, all efforts to remove mosquitos breeding sites are encouraged. For example, buckets and pots should be evacuated and washed on a daily basis or covered. Gutters or recycled tires needed to cleaned or removed, if feasible. Insect repellents that have DEET, IR3535, or icaridin are recommended during the mosquito?s season. Lastly, a person should cover as much of his/her body allow when outdoors (Feller,

The Zika Virus, a flavivirus, was first identified in 1947 in Rhesus Monkeys in a vegetative region of Africa known as Zika. It was identified as a causative agent of a febrile illness similar to Yellow Fever, and though studies showed that the virus was able to cross the blood brain barrier and showed greater affinity to the nervous system when studied in mice, the virus receded from the curiosity of researchers and tabloids of the public due to its mild symptomology. It has resurfaced with a vengeance however, even being proclaimed a public health emergency this past February, and a possible microcephaly epidemic.

The outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil has spread to other countries subsequently. Zika is not only a risk factor for health related issues, it greatly impact on the social aspects too. The population living in the slums are vulnerable to the infection due to their poor living lifestyles. The poorer community cannot afford proper medical attention as the public health system is not effective. Pregnant women affected by Zika give birth to babies born with Microcephaly, a disease related to malformation, which the baby is born with an abnormally small head size. Couples who are planning to have children are postponing their decision. Pregnant women who are infected by the disease choose to go for abortion. Zika outbreak is causing the decrease in birth rate which affects the country’s population. Families planning to travel are deferring their plans as they are more concerned over the spreading of Zika virus. Quality time spend by families are influence by this outcome.