The Buzz About Zika

[Article Archives from 8.15.2016]

As the Zika virus has been spreading throughout South and Central America for the past 6 months, it has not been an extremely relevant topic of concern until the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

This article aims to educate those who are curious about the virus' origins, those affected, and what the long term effects of the virus will lead to in the United States. 

First, the Aedes species of mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus) has longed transfered this disease throughout the world and was first discovered in Uganda, Africa. While many think the virus stemmed from the jungles of South America, its outbreaks were first reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. (CDC)

While anyone can become infected with the virus, pregnant women are the ones to be most concerned about the disease. The fetus may contract the birth defect microcephaly that may hinder brain growth, vision, hearing and overall development. In adults, the virus is associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a temporary paralysis but studies are still being conducted on this relationship. 

For anyone infected, it's important to note that the virus stays in the blood stream for one week. One week. After a victim is infected, they are believed to be immune to it so no harm will come to a future baby (McNeil, Louis, and

Fleur). If one travels to an infected country, the CDC recommends waiting eight weeks before trying to conceive because this virus can be sexually transmitted. Strong birth control methods such as condoms are highly recommended during that time period of eight weeks.

As current research shows, there is no vaccine against the Zika virus. The only possible prevention tactics are pregnant women not traveling to affected areas, using copious amounts of bug spray if there is no choice to travel and staying in air conditioned/netted areas. The virus has never struck such a large population with very little immunity and this is why the outbreak has taken storm in the United States.

Overall, the virus will weaken eventually with the winter months approaching in the affected areas. If you are not pregnant and traveling, wait the appropriate amount of time before engaging in unprotected intercourse so everyone can stop the cycle and the virus can stop spreading more north in the United States. If you suspect anything, get tested and stay aware but research suggests that the virus will not gain more territory than it already has and will become a worry of the past.