Earthnut Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Zika Virus Spreading ‘Explosively’ The World Health Organization has convened an emergency committee to discuss the “explosive” spread of the Zika virus, which has been linked to thousands of birth defects in Latin America. WHO’s Director General says the virus is “spreading explosively” and “the level of alarm is extremely high.” She explained that the relationship between Zika and birth defects has not yet been fully established but is “strongly suspected.” “The possible links, only recently suspected, have rapidly changed the risk profile of Zika, from a mild threat to one of alarming proportions,” she said Thursday. A post on the WHO website reveals that the emergency committee will meet to determine if the outbreak is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. WHO plans to prioritize the development of vaccines and new tools to control mosquito populations, as well as improving diagnostic test and will convene experts to address critical gaps in scientific knowledge about the virus and its potential effects on fetuses, children and adults. For most people, the Zika virus causes only a brief, mild flu-like illness. But in pregnant women it has been linked to an alarming increase in the rate of the birth defect known as microcephaly — a debilitatingly small head and brain size. Microcephaly may cause mental retardation, as well as delays in speech, movement, and growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. We’ll update this breaking story as needed. (Video on Page) ~ Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Kent Sepkowitz explains the risks of the Zika virus in the U.S. and abroad https://www.yahoo.com/health/zika-virus-spreading-explosively-134632152.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walkabout Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 Massachusetts gets 1st case . https://www.myfoxboston.com/news/massachusetts-has-first-case-of-zika-virus/45156562 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earthnut Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 I wish they'd call it what it is, a parasite. Viruses and bacteria are living organisms that reproduce...a parasite. Countries and territories with active Zika virus transmission Quote Where has Zika virus been found? Prior to 2015, Zika virus outbreaks have occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infections in Brazil. Currently, outbreaks are occurring in many countries. Zika virus will continue to spread and it will be difficult to determine how the virus will spread over time. Zika in the United States and its territories: No locally transmitted Zika cases have been reported in the continental United States, but cases have been reported in returning travelers. Locally transmitted Zika virus has been reported in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. With the recent outbreaks, the number of Zika cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States will likely increase. These imported cases could result in local spread of the virus in some areas of the United States. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walkabout Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 from what I have read Zika is a virus spread by mosquito and has similar symptoms to dengue and chikungunya: rash, joint pain, fever. Unlike Chagas which is a parasite like Malaria . A virus and parasite are two entirely different things scientifically . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earthnut Posted February 1, 2016 Author Share Posted February 1, 2016 Yes, scientifically and medically speaking, they are considered different, and I have had this conversation with my RN daughter about it. But, we do agree on this, that they are all living organisms, and they reproduce, just like a bug/parasite. And of course more important, they all can make you serious ill, or kill you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earthnut Posted February 4, 2016 Author Share Posted February 4, 2016 https://gma.yahoo.com/video/florida-declares-state-emergency-4-112515240.html Florida Declares State of Emergency in 4 Counties Over Zika Virus by ABC News Videos 2:11 mins Gov. Rick Scott said he wanted the state to be prepared should the virus be detected in residents. In Columbia 2,100 pregnant women are infected. 3,700 cases discovered so far and the number is growing daily. Some people think the Zika Virus is a bio-weapon, a hoax and plot to sell vaccines for population control. Some say it's a cover for environmental damage. Whatever this thing is, it's definitely a danger to pregnant women and those trying to become pregnant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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