March 10, 2016
Zika Takes Over
by THS Media Becky Tebe
The Zika virus is a disease that has become pandemic throughout the Caribbean, Latin America and South America within the last year. The name of the disease comes from the Zika Forest of Uganda, where the virus was first isolated. As of February, 1.5 million cases of Zika have been reported in Brazil alone.
Zika is mosquito-transmitted disease which is usually found in Africa or Asia. It did not reach the western hemisphere until last May after an outbreak in Brazil. Since the disease is new to the Americas, many people do not have any immune defense against the virus, therefore it is spreading rapidly. In most cases, there are no symptoms. However, when present, symptoms are moderate and usually last a week or less. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes.
So why has the Zika virus become such a big problem? Recent studies have shown a relation between the virus and microcephaly in newborn children. The possibility the Zika virus had something to do with microcephaly (unusually small heads with damaged brains) emerged in October 2015 when doctors in Brazil saw a surge in newborns with the condition. Although the birth defect may be due to other factors, researchers have circumstantial evidence that suggests that Zika is the cause.
Since there is no vaccine or treatment for Zika, the best way to prevent the virus is to prevent mosquito bites. The best way to prevent mosquitoes is by wearing long sleeves/pants, using bug repellent, staying in places with air condition and making sure that you are using window and door screens. For pregnant women, they should follow all the precautions and in addition, should see a healthcare provider and get tested for Zika throughout each trimester of the pregnancy.
Along with microcephaly, the Zika virus has been linked to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Guillain Barre Syndrome is a disease where the immune system attacks the nerves. First symptoms usually include a tingling sensation that can quickly spread throughout the whole body, causing paralysis. This syndrome usually occurs in older males. Most people report a bacterial or viral infection before they report having GBS. Just like microcephaly, there is no definite evidence that Zika leads to GBS. However, officials in Brazil have reported an increased number of people who have been infected with Zika virus who also have GBS.
Since Zika is spreading rapidly throughout the Americas, and there is no treatment or vaccine, it’s important that people take precaution and try their best to get prevent mosquitoes bites. If this virus is not stopped, billions of people could come into contact with this disease. Which means more infants with microcephaly, more adults with GBS, and furthermore.
Zika is mosquito-transmitted disease which is usually found in Africa or Asia. It did not reach the western hemisphere until last May after an outbreak in Brazil. Since the disease is new to the Americas, many people do not have any immune defense against the virus, therefore it is spreading rapidly. In most cases, there are no symptoms. However, when present, symptoms are moderate and usually last a week or less. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes.
So why has the Zika virus become such a big problem? Recent studies have shown a relation between the virus and microcephaly in newborn children. The possibility the Zika virus had something to do with microcephaly (unusually small heads with damaged brains) emerged in October 2015 when doctors in Brazil saw a surge in newborns with the condition. Although the birth defect may be due to other factors, researchers have circumstantial evidence that suggests that Zika is the cause.
Since there is no vaccine or treatment for Zika, the best way to prevent the virus is to prevent mosquito bites. The best way to prevent mosquitoes is by wearing long sleeves/pants, using bug repellent, staying in places with air condition and making sure that you are using window and door screens. For pregnant women, they should follow all the precautions and in addition, should see a healthcare provider and get tested for Zika throughout each trimester of the pregnancy.
Along with microcephaly, the Zika virus has been linked to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Guillain Barre Syndrome is a disease where the immune system attacks the nerves. First symptoms usually include a tingling sensation that can quickly spread throughout the whole body, causing paralysis. This syndrome usually occurs in older males. Most people report a bacterial or viral infection before they report having GBS. Just like microcephaly, there is no definite evidence that Zika leads to GBS. However, officials in Brazil have reported an increased number of people who have been infected with Zika virus who also have GBS.
Since Zika is spreading rapidly throughout the Americas, and there is no treatment or vaccine, it’s important that people take precaution and try their best to get prevent mosquitoes bites. If this virus is not stopped, billions of people could come into contact with this disease. Which means more infants with microcephaly, more adults with GBS, and furthermore.