The Questions Surrounding the Zika Virus
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Questions Surrounding the Zika Virus

In Light of Recent Events Both Local and Abroad What Should We be Concerned With?

19
The Questions Surrounding the Zika Virus
Aedes albopictus Wikipedia

The Rio 2016 Olympic games have begun and one of the many concerns surrounding the games is how the Zika virus will affect athletes and observers. There are many questions surrounding the topics of preventing infection of attendees and bringing their infections home. Prior to the games, many health professionals even advised against the games taking place.

The disease is being spread both through sexual intercourse and the bite of an Aedes Aegypti mosquito; the same mosquito that spreads a range of diseases which include Dengue, Yellow Fever, and Chikungunya. Zika is not deadly, and it is currently believed that after initial infection the person is immune to future infections, according to the CDC. However, Zika has struck fear into the hearts of many because of it's capability to be passed from a mother to her fetus leading to possible birth defects

As of right now there is neither a cure nor a vaccine for the Zika virus so the CDC recommends getting rest, staying hydrated, and speaking to your doctor for proper medications relevant to symptoms. The primary preventative measures are using bug spray and using protection. While these measures can be helpful there is no way to make yourself immune to the bite of mosquito.

Although, Zika has been a cause for concern for several months fear has grown due to the emergence of small, localized outbreaks in the U.S. According to the CDC, there are 5,548 reported cases of Zika in U.S. territories and 1,825 reported cases in the U.S. states.

Before 2007, there were 14 cases of Zika reported worldwide. However, this does not mean that Zika was not surrounding us. The symptoms of Zika; which last for 2-7 days, are very similar to those of many other diseases, which may have commonly resulted in misdiagnosis.


Health officials have warned that small outbreaks will occur in localized areas, but believe a widespread outbreak in the U.S. is unlikely. But where does that leave people who live in other countries where Zika poses a greater threat? Without a cure or vaccine on the way the number of infections is rapidly rising. What does it mean for a women to be infected in the years prior to a pregnancy? Who will fund research to find treatment, and how can we be sure that it will be available for the general public?

While we wait for the prospect of some form of treatment there may not be a lot we can do. However, what we can do is pay attention to how the virus is being addressed during the Olympics. How are athletes and observers being protected, and how are small localized outbreaks, both local and abroad being treated? We can apply some of the results to the previously mentioned questions. Finally, We can keep this topic relevant to ensure it is addressed diligently and properly.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43662
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27458
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952333
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

147766
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments