Zika Virus Explosion

February 3, 2016

Zika Virus Explosion The Zika virus is the most recent in a string of virus spread by mosquitos to cause concern in the U.S. The World Health Organization expects up to four million people to contract the virus by the end of the year. The Zika virus is currently active in Africa, Southeast Asia, South America and the Pacific Islands. While there have been no reports of the virus being locally transmitted, 32 Americans have contracted it while traveling overseas. The virus is not a huge danger to most citizens, as it only causes mild flu-like symptoms in around 20 percent of the people who get infected. The main concern for officials and citizens is the virus' link to the birth defect microcephaly. The number of babies born with microcephaly, which results in babies being born with abnormally small heads, to mothers who have contracted the virus has vastly increased in the past year. There is no vaccine for the virus yet, and doctors can only treat the symptoms. Officials warn that pregnant women should be especially cautious of this virus, and avoid traveling to places where the virus is active. Have you heard about the Zika virus? How worried do you think people should be?