The Zika Virus

The media loves to stir up stress for people when a new or unknown illness is discovered. The Zika Virus is an illness that is carried by active Aedes mosquitos but it can also be transmitted sexually or through blood transfusions. The virus is named after the Zika Forest located in Uganda where the virus was first discovers in the early 1940s and it wasn’t until 1957 until the first human was diagnosed with the virus.

So why is it that Zika is becoming well known all over the world? The main reason is because of an extreme side effect that is has on pregnant women and women who may become pregnant. The Zika virus can shrink an infant’s entire head to about 1/3rd of what the average size is. This mutation is referred to as microcephaly.

The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued travel guidance on affected countries to enhance precautions. Other countries for example, Jamaica, Ecuador, etc. have even advised their citizens to postpone their pregnancy plans so that more information and developments can be made.