The Zika Outrage

The Zika Outrage

By: Ellie Fischer

The Zika Virus is a disease transmitted through the Aedes mosquito, it causes a disability called microcephaly. In 1949, the disease was found in a monkey at the Zika Forest in Uganda. However, there were no signs of outbreaks until 2007. Microcephaly is a disease that causes incomplete brain development and an abnormally small head. Microcephaly only affects unborn fetuses. Although this disease may not affect you, there are other symptoms children and adults can get from this horrible bite. They are, red eyes, rashes, and fevers. Doctors strongly suggest to stay away from Zika hotspots, especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Women who have been infected, should wait at least two years before they have another baby. This disease is currently located in twenty-nine countries, it is in Texas and Florida in the United States. People need to be prepared because it will continue to spread. If we do not prepare for this, eventually our whole population will be infested by this illness.

The infection can also be sexually transmitted, like the first case that was discovered here in the United States. According to Dr. Natalie Azar, “If you are a male who has either traveled in a Zika Virus transmission area, or have lived there and you have a partner who is pregnant, you should abstain for the duration of the pregnancy.” You can avoid getting infected by the mosquitoes by wearing sunscreen and using ingredients such as, Deet and Picaridin. It is also recommended that people should wear long sleeves, pants, and stay underneath the shade as much as possible. Melissa Fischer is currently vacationing in Florida for the Ski break. When asked if she was concerned about the virus she immediately responded. Her words were, “Yes, I’m concerned about it, but also confused about it.” This goes to show that researchers have not done a good enough job to get the message out, and people need to know the seriousness of this before it is too late.




Citations:
Mohney, Gillian. "Zika Virus Prompts Florida Governor to Expand State of Emergency to 5th County." N.p., 4 Feb. 2016. Web. 14 Feb. 2016.

"See All the Places Where the Zika Virus Has Spread." Time. Time, n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2016.

"Zika Virus, Explained in 6 Charts and Maps." Vox. N.p., 28 Jan. 2016. Web. 18 Feb. 2016.

"Zika Virus on the Move: How to Protect Yourself." N.p., 5 Feb. 2016. Web. 14 Feb. 2016.