Is the Zika virus a pandemic or epidemic?
Epidemic and pandemic are primarily different in terms of spread of contagious, infectious, or viral illness. An epidemic is limited to one specific region while a pandemic has a worldwide spread. Zika virus is an epidemic which was reported in Brazil in Feb., 2016.
What is the current status of the Zika virus?
There is no current local transmission of Zika virus in the continental United States. The last cases of local Zika transmission by mosquitoes in the continental United States were in Florida and Texas in 2016-17.
Where was the first case of Zika virus?
Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda. In 1952, the first human cases of Zika were detected and since then, outbreaks of Zika have been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
What does the Zika virus really look like?
The virus differs in a key protein on its outer shell The report, published today in Science, describes the virus as a spherical structure resembling that of the dengue virus and other viruses in…
What countries have Zika virus?
– using insect repellent that contains DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) on exposed skin after sunscreen has been applied (DEET can be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women in concentrations up to 50%, – wearing loose clothing that covers your arms and legs – sleeping under a mosquito net in areas where malaria is also a risk
What disease does Zika virus cause?
Zika virus infection during pregnancy also increases the risk of serious birth defects in infants (congenital Zika syndrome), including: A much smaller than normal brain and head size (mirocephaly), with a partly collapsed skull Brain damage and reduced brain tissue Eye damage Joint problems,
Is Zika a communicable disease?
Zika virus is a viral infection that is often transmitted by the bites of a specific type of mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted from an infected person to another, even in the absence of symptoms. Cause: Zika virus is transmitted by bites of mosquitoes carrying the virus (Aedes mosquito).