Zika Virus Reaches Brazil
The zika virus in now widely consider considered an epidemic that started in the year 2015. This is year that reports of zika virus infection stated to grow exponentially. The Brazilian government has confirmed than a strong link exist between zika virus and the development of microcephaly, which is a type infection that in most cases that causes babies to be born with small heads and damaged brains due to misinformation in the womb. As a result of this, the World Health Organization has sent out a special health alert and is working with Brazilian health officials to limit the spread of the virus, says Dr. Sergio Cortes.
In north area of Brazil has the most reported microcephaly cases from zika virus infection, cites Dr. Sergio Cortes. In total, there are close to 1200 cases in Brazil which spans hundreds of populated cities. There has already been a death attributed to zika virus in the country of Brazil of a young child.
According to a health bulletin released by Brazil’s Ministry of Health, many unknown variables still surround zika virus and the disease is not fully documented. A principal issue is, says Dr. Sergio Cortes, how the virus effect an unborn fetus during its development. Knowing this information would assist in furthering the development of a vaccine to prevent disease, or limit it from affecting an unborn child’s development during pregnancy.
Currently no vaccines exist to prevent infection of zika virus. Steps must be taken to prevent the spread of the disease by mosquitoes. The Aedes aegypti is the mosquito responsible for infecting humans with zika virus. Families must be educated on how to make remove standing water from there property and not provide a suitable breeding place for mosquitos.
How to Stop the Spread of Zika
Methods to prevent the spread of zika virus are similar for those used against dengue and chikungunya. This primarily involves not allowing standing water in open containers or objects. The mosquito often uses those open areas to lay its eggs which could multiply and infect people with the zika virus.