A virus that was originally discovered in the Zika forests of Uganda in the late 1940's has become an international concern. This virus has become known as the Zika virus. It is primarily transmitted by the Acedes mosquito. Symptoms of the virus include mild fever, skin rash, joint pain, headache, and microcephaly in unborn children. These symptoms usually last between two and seven days. At this time there is no vaccine or specific treatment. To help slow down the spread of the Zika virus countries, communities, and individuals must have be educated about the Zika virus, adequate resources, and mosquito control.
The Zika virus did not become a worldwide health concern until 2015. The first reported case of the virus appearing in the Americas occurred in Brazil. Before this, the virus was relatively unknown. Shortly after its appearance, health officials noticed a greater number of babies born with microcephaly. Further investigation showed that the mothers of these babies had all become infected with the Zika virus while pregnant. This has caused an urgency to find a way to slow down or eliminate this virus. The nations that have had outbreaks of the Zika virus are trying to educate the public about the disease and how to prevent others from becoming infected.
Some of the ways to fight the Zika virus are through research and mosquito control. Countries that may become infected are trying to increase the funding for research and mosquito control. The United Stated is trying to improve funding for labs in the United States and Puerto Rico that are working on tests, vaccines, and research. The response for funding has been slow according to the World Health Organization. They have received "only $3 million of the $56 million needed from its member countries to fight the Zika virus" (Szabo, par. 1) The United States has been debating the amount of money it should use to combat the virus. The White House would like "$1.8 billion" (Herszenhorn par. 1) but lawmakers are considering an amount less than that.
Part of the funding the White House is asking for would help fund mosquito control in countries with a higher amount of disease carrying mosquitoes. The use of insecticides was widely used in the 1940's. This wide use brought most "mosquito-borne diseases under control in many parts of the world." (Mosquito Control, par. 16) The use of insecticides has declined since then which has led to an increase in mosquito related illnesses. The most effective way to fight mosquito-borne disease is destroying their breeding sites. This can be done through insecticides, radiation, and draining water that can breed mosquitoes.
Another area that the funding would go toward is education the community and providing resources. Educating the community about how mosquitoes breed and how as an individual they can take steps to limit the amount of open water near their home can help slow down the reproducing of mosquitoes. Part of the education is on ways to avoid getting bitten by wearing clothing that covers their arms and legs. That early morning and early evening are the mostly likely times of getting bite.. Promoting the use of screens and mosquito nettings on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Educating the public is a key way to help slow down the virus.
Since the biggest health concern is the increased rate of babies born with microcephaly. Informing the public about the side effects of the Zika virus and what precautions they need to take if they are planning on becoming pregnant soon. This is a condition that causes deformity of the skull and abnormal brain development. (Microcephaly, par.1) Researchers are still studying the long term effects and if the increase cases of microcephaly are caused by the Zika virus.
Women have become more concerned for the health and welfare of their unborn babies. More women are looking for ways to either prevent or terminate their pregnancies. This has caused a hot debate among abortion advocates on both sides. The reasoning behind this is most cases of microcephaly are not found until week twenty. An abortion rights spokesperson for Bureau for the Life and Health of Women, Silvia Plana said "We hope Zika changes the debate." (Philips, par. 15) For some women the concern about having a child with a disability has brought them to the decision to abort. Abortion is illegal in most Central and South American countries which has further brought the discussion into the forefront.
The other side of the debate recognizes the seriousness of microcephaly but does not see the justification of taking a child's life, even if they are born with a disability. A well-known obstetrician, Dr. Christine Curry, who treats women who are concerned about the Zika virus would like the discussion "to be thoughtful and straightforward". This ongoing debate on what to do with the unborn fetus with microcephaly shows the ethical and moral decisions that individuals have to make.
Another health concern that has been raised is "an increase in Guillain-Barre syndrome which coincided with Zika virus infections in the general public." (Guillain-Barre Syndrome, par.3) Guillain-Barre is a neurological disorder. The body's immune system attacks the nervous system, which can cause paralysis. The relationship between the Zika virus and Guillain-Barre syndrome are still being researched.
The largest amount of people that will be affected in the United States will be from the Southern states. Due to the warmer weather and the higher amount of Aedes mosquitos. The mosquitos that are infected with the Zika virus cannot survive in cold climates. The states that are predicted to be hit the hardest by the Zika virus are Florida, Texas, and Hawaii. The number of individuals affected will be fewer because "greater use of air conditioning and window screens will probably lesson its impact even in the Southern states where transmission is most likely. (Stobbe, par. 7) The United States has been proactive in the areas that are predicted to have higher cases of the Zika virus by using insecticides.
The countries hit the hardest from the Zika virus are also seeing an economic impact. Brazil and other countries have seen a drop in tourism since the outbreak of the virus. The economic impact could cost these countries "3.5 billion dollars this year..." (Czarmecin, par. 9) The long term economic effects are still unknown but they could be devastating to countries that are already financially weak.
The Zika virus has also become a political hot topic in the United States over funding. The President of the United States, Barack Obama, has asked Congress to "approve $1.8 billion dollars in emergency funding to combat the Zika virus." (Herszenhorn, par. 1) This money will be used for foreign aid to countries in Central and South America. The money will also help fund research for vaccines, mosquito control, education, and improved health care for the low-income women and children.
Lawmakers are split on funding to combat the Zika virus. The Senate has three competing plans to fund a potential outbreak of the Zika virus. The funding that is needed is a long way off. A political analysis stated "Its fate is uncertain in the House of Representatives, where Republicans are deeply-divided over new Zika funding." (Cowen, par. 12) Part of the debate over the funding is against just letting the Administration have all that money without knowing exactly where it is going.
The urgency to fight the Zika virus has risen because of the upcoming summer months. Lawmakers from Florida and Texas are urging congress to pass the bills to fund the prevention of the Zika virus. Both states have created tasks forces to help make the public aware of the disease. "We have made it a priority to stay ahead of the possible spread of this virus in Florida, and we will continue to do all we can to keep our families safe."(Gov. Scott, par. 2) The probability of seeing increased cases of the Zika virus this summer are high.
The other concern that has been raised is that the Summer Olympics will be held in Brazil this year. "If the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro proceed as planned this summer, the threat of the mosquito-borne Zika virus may substantially increase, according to Canadian professor and biologist Amir Attaran." (Statt, par.1) The Olympics has the potential of increasing the number of individuals from different countries being infected with the virus. These individuals could pass the virus on to others when they return to their home countries.
By cloning the Zika virus, researchers in Texas are hoping to study how the Zika virus spreads. "Existence of a Zika clone allows researchers to more easily identify reasons for the explosive spread of the virus." (Schnirring, par. 4) Other research being done is studying the brains of mice to see what affects the Zika virus has on their brain. The vast amount of research that is being done will helped speed up the creation of facilitating a vaccine sooner. Labs in Great Britain are already testing vaccines on animals but human testing is still three to four years away.
Even though a vaccine for the Zika virus is years away, there have been advances. The CDC has been able to develop a test that helps confirm Zika virus within a week. Before this test was developed it was hard to diagnosis who had the Zika virus. Other advances have been in mosquito control. These have led to a better ways to track the areas that have higher outbreaks of the Zika virus. Mosquito control and research take a tremendous effort and a large amount of money to continue fighting this virus.
Despite the long road ahead there has been progress made. There has been an urgency among world leaders and countries to fund research for the Zika virus. The increase funding is helping with research to study the virus and produce a vaccine. This research is still ongoing but looks promising. The public is more aware of what the Zika virus is. The areas with a higher amount of mosquitoes are practicing better mosquito control.Through education, resources, and mosquito control the Zika virus can be slowed down.
The Zika virus did not become a worldwide health concern until 2015. The first reported case of the virus appearing in the Americas occurred in Brazil. Before this, the virus was relatively unknown. Shortly after its appearance, health officials noticed a greater number of babies born with microcephaly. Further investigation showed that the mothers of these babies had all become infected with the Zika virus while pregnant. This has caused an urgency to find a way to slow down or eliminate this virus. The nations that have had outbreaks of the Zika virus are trying to educate the public about the disease and how to prevent others from becoming infected.
Some of the ways to fight the Zika virus are through research and mosquito control. Countries that may become infected are trying to increase the funding for research and mosquito control. The United Stated is trying to improve funding for labs in the United States and Puerto Rico that are working on tests, vaccines, and research. The response for funding has been slow according to the World Health Organization. They have received "only $3 million of the $56 million needed from its member countries to fight the Zika virus" (Szabo, par. 1) The United States has been debating the amount of money it should use to combat the virus. The White House would like "$1.8 billion" (Herszenhorn par. 1) but lawmakers are considering an amount less than that.
Part of the funding the White House is asking for would help fund mosquito control in countries with a higher amount of disease carrying mosquitoes. The use of insecticides was widely used in the 1940's. This wide use brought most "mosquito-borne diseases under control in many parts of the world." (Mosquito Control, par. 16) The use of insecticides has declined since then which has led to an increase in mosquito related illnesses. The most effective way to fight mosquito-borne disease is destroying their breeding sites. This can be done through insecticides, radiation, and draining water that can breed mosquitoes.
Another area that the funding would go toward is education the community and providing resources. Educating the community about how mosquitoes breed and how as an individual they can take steps to limit the amount of open water near their home can help slow down the reproducing of mosquitoes. Part of the education is on ways to avoid getting bitten by wearing clothing that covers their arms and legs. That early morning and early evening are the mostly likely times of getting bite.. Promoting the use of screens and mosquito nettings on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Educating the public is a key way to help slow down the virus.
Since the biggest health concern is the increased rate of babies born with microcephaly. Informing the public about the side effects of the Zika virus and what precautions they need to take if they are planning on becoming pregnant soon. This is a condition that causes deformity of the skull and abnormal brain development. (Microcephaly, par.1) Researchers are still studying the long term effects and if the increase cases of microcephaly are caused by the Zika virus.
Women have become more concerned for the health and welfare of their unborn babies. More women are looking for ways to either prevent or terminate their pregnancies. This has caused a hot debate among abortion advocates on both sides. The reasoning behind this is most cases of microcephaly are not found until week twenty. An abortion rights spokesperson for Bureau for the Life and Health of Women, Silvia Plana said "We hope Zika changes the debate." (Philips, par. 15) For some women the concern about having a child with a disability has brought them to the decision to abort. Abortion is illegal in most Central and South American countries which has further brought the discussion into the forefront.
The other side of the debate recognizes the seriousness of microcephaly but does not see the justification of taking a child's life, even if they are born with a disability. A well-known obstetrician, Dr. Christine Curry, who treats women who are concerned about the Zika virus would like the discussion "to be thoughtful and straightforward". This ongoing debate on what to do with the unborn fetus with microcephaly shows the ethical and moral decisions that individuals have to make.
Another health concern that has been raised is "an increase in Guillain-Barre syndrome which coincided with Zika virus infections in the general public." (Guillain-Barre Syndrome, par.3) Guillain-Barre is a neurological disorder. The body's immune system attacks the nervous system, which can cause paralysis. The relationship between the Zika virus and Guillain-Barre syndrome are still being researched.
The largest amount of people that will be affected in the United States will be from the Southern states. Due to the warmer weather and the higher amount of Aedes mosquitos. The mosquitos that are infected with the Zika virus cannot survive in cold climates. The states that are predicted to be hit the hardest by the Zika virus are Florida, Texas, and Hawaii. The number of individuals affected will be fewer because "greater use of air conditioning and window screens will probably lesson its impact even in the Southern states where transmission is most likely. (Stobbe, par. 7) The United States has been proactive in the areas that are predicted to have higher cases of the Zika virus by using insecticides.
The countries hit the hardest from the Zika virus are also seeing an economic impact. Brazil and other countries have seen a drop in tourism since the outbreak of the virus. The economic impact could cost these countries "3.5 billion dollars this year..." (Czarmecin, par. 9) The long term economic effects are still unknown but they could be devastating to countries that are already financially weak.
The Zika virus has also become a political hot topic in the United States over funding. The President of the United States, Barack Obama, has asked Congress to "approve $1.8 billion dollars in emergency funding to combat the Zika virus." (Herszenhorn, par. 1) This money will be used for foreign aid to countries in Central and South America. The money will also help fund research for vaccines, mosquito control, education, and improved health care for the low-income women and children.
Lawmakers are split on funding to combat the Zika virus. The Senate has three competing plans to fund a potential outbreak of the Zika virus. The funding that is needed is a long way off. A political analysis stated "Its fate is uncertain in the House of Representatives, where Republicans are deeply-divided over new Zika funding." (Cowen, par. 12) Part of the debate over the funding is against just letting the Administration have all that money without knowing exactly where it is going.
The urgency to fight the Zika virus has risen because of the upcoming summer months. Lawmakers from Florida and Texas are urging congress to pass the bills to fund the prevention of the Zika virus. Both states have created tasks forces to help make the public aware of the disease. "We have made it a priority to stay ahead of the possible spread of this virus in Florida, and we will continue to do all we can to keep our families safe."(Gov. Scott, par. 2) The probability of seeing increased cases of the Zika virus this summer are high.
The other concern that has been raised is that the Summer Olympics will be held in Brazil this year. "If the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro proceed as planned this summer, the threat of the mosquito-borne Zika virus may substantially increase, according to Canadian professor and biologist Amir Attaran." (Statt, par.1) The Olympics has the potential of increasing the number of individuals from different countries being infected with the virus. These individuals could pass the virus on to others when they return to their home countries.
By cloning the Zika virus, researchers in Texas are hoping to study how the Zika virus spreads. "Existence of a Zika clone allows researchers to more easily identify reasons for the explosive spread of the virus." (Schnirring, par. 4) Other research being done is studying the brains of mice to see what affects the Zika virus has on their brain. The vast amount of research that is being done will helped speed up the creation of facilitating a vaccine sooner. Labs in Great Britain are already testing vaccines on animals but human testing is still three to four years away.
Even though a vaccine for the Zika virus is years away, there have been advances. The CDC has been able to develop a test that helps confirm Zika virus within a week. Before this test was developed it was hard to diagnosis who had the Zika virus. Other advances have been in mosquito control. These have led to a better ways to track the areas that have higher outbreaks of the Zika virus. Mosquito control and research take a tremendous effort and a large amount of money to continue fighting this virus.
Despite the long road ahead there has been progress made. There has been an urgency among world leaders and countries to fund research for the Zika virus. The increase funding is helping with research to study the virus and produce a vaccine. This research is still ongoing but looks promising. The public is more aware of what the Zika virus is. The areas with a higher amount of mosquitoes are practicing better mosquito control.Through education, resources, and mosquito control the Zika virus can be slowed down.
