The Zika virus is a
virus that is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes. Interestingly enough,
the virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys instead of
mosquitoes. It was only located through a network that monitored yellow fever. The first identification of the virus in humans was in Uganda and
the United Republic of Tanzania during 1952. In 1960-1980 scientists realized through blood tests that humans can be affected by Zika. The first large outbreak caused by the virus
was discovered in the Island of Yap during 2007. Prior to the outbreak in 2007, on 14 other cases had been documented. One of the most recent outbreaks
was in Brazil during July and again in October of 2015. The virus wasn’t alone,
it was associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome or microcephaly. The Zika virus
is not centered around one area of the world, it has been reported in Africa,
the Americas, Asia, and in the Pacific.
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| http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/454970/nyc-launches-mosquito-information-website-in-battle-against-zika.html |
Zika is not transmitted only by the bite of an infected Aedes specie of mosquito. These
mosquitoes are also found wherever standing water is, for example animal bowls,
vases, pots etc. People have to be aware of their surroundings since these mosquitoes prefer to bite their target during the day, but
will still bite at night. The virus is spread from either an infected mosquito biting a healthy human or a healthy mosquito biting an infected human. Zika can also be spread through sexual activity, blood transfusions,
laboratory and healthcare setting exposures, and from mother to child. Even
though the transmission of the virus through sexual activity is still being
researched, the virus can spread through semen and vaginal fluids. Although the
transmission of Zika through blood transfusions has not affected the United
States, it has been reported in other countries including Brazil. People who work in laboratories and healthcare settings can
be at risk since the people working in the lab could be working with the virus or the blood of someone who
has the virus. The transmission from mother to child is being watched closely. If
a woman is bitten by an infected mosquito, then the child is at risk for
having health issues. The virus can be passed to the fetus during pregnancy or
near the time of birth. So far researches have not detected a transmission through
breastfeeding.
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| http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/Zika-Virus-Confirmed-in-Dallas-County-Spread-Through-Sexual-Contact-Dallas-County-Health-367395911.html |
Symptoms of the Zika virus include, headaches, rashes, bloodshot eyes, a high fever, and muscle
or joint pain. However, not everyone will express the same symptoms. For
example, getting a rash from the virus has only been reported in 90% of
individuals. Symptoms will start to occur two weeks after being infected and
will last up to a week. People who believe they are experiencing symptoms of
the Zika virus are advised to get their blood tested. To prevent the spread of
Zika, people are recommended to not travel to the areas that are experiencing a
break out, use a condom while having sex, cover or remove any areas that
attract these mosquitoes, and to wear clothing that covers most of the body.
Currently, no medical treatment has been created. However, if a
person is experiencing the symptoms of the Zika virus they should get plenty of
rest, hydrate, and take Tylenol in hopes of reducing the headache.
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| http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.9362321/ |
