The World Health Organization declared on February 1, 2016 that the spread of the Zika virus constitutes a global public health emergency. While there is no need for panic, there are things about this virus you should be aware of, and steps to take to ensure your health and well being.
Now if you are wondering what the Zika virus is, it is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days. But there is also a suspected link between Zika and a dangerous birth defect, known as microcephaly, in which babies are born with undersized heads and brains.
Recently, the virus started its spread for the first time from the Pacific in 2007 and 2013 (Yap and French Polynesia, respectively), and in 2015 from the Americas (Brazil and Colombia) and Africa (Cape Verde). In addition, more than 13 countries in the Americas have reported sporadic Zika virus infections indicating rapid expansion of the Zika virus. In Brazil, authorities believe as many as 1.5 million people may be infected.
The United States is not immune. Nearly three dozen cases have been confirmed to date in 11 states and the District of Columbia. The CDC acknowledges that the number is growing rapidly. In fact, the governor of Florida has declared a state of emergency in 4 counties (Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Lee and Santa Rosa) where the virus has been found.
