The Zika virus, commonly transmitted by mosquitoes, was first recognized in 1947 in rhesus monkeys in Uganda—so why has it recently been surrounded by so much renewed concern and speculation? The likely answer is that there have been recent outbreaks of considerable size in both French Polynesia and Brazil in 2013 and 2015. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 107 reported cases in the U.S. as of Wednesday.
Abnormalities and impairments in neurological and auto-immune functions have been reported in conjunction with the virus, which may be considered potential complications. The virus may also be linked to the birth defects that occurred in Brazil during the time of the outbreaks, particularly in 2015. Global warming is also believed to facilitate the breeding of the Aedes mosquito, which is the most notable carrier of the disease.
Here are a few ways that may help increase your awareness of this widely-discussed modern epidemic:
1. According to the World Health Organization, sexual transmission of the Zika virus has only been documented in two cases.
2. As of now, there is no particular vaccination or course of treatment for the Zika virus
3. Common symptoms include low-grade fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain and headache.
The most optimal method of prevention against transmission of the Zika virus is protection against mosquito bites. Use insect repellant, cover up as much as possible when outdoors (especially in warm, humid climates) and conduct research to educate yourself about how the disease can be prevented.