The Zika Virus Meets its Match
By Ryan M.
The Zika Virus is spreading rapidly throughout South America. Just recently it spread to Florida, and now it's been confirmed in Indiana, Tennessee, and Ohio, too. It's spread most commonly by mosquitoes. If you're traveling to a warm area with mosquitoes, or if you just want to be prepared for summer, you'll want this high quality mosquito net with you. It's lightweight and durable, not to mention it's plenty big!What Are the Symptoms?
Lets say even with a great mosquito net you think you have gotten infected. How do you know? What are the symptoms of the Zika Virus? I got the following from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website:
- Only 20% of infected people actually get ill
- Fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes), also muscle pain and headaches
- Symptoms last anywhere from a few days to up to a week
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It is rare that someone be hospitalized by the Zika virus
Am I at Risk?
The Zika virus isn't a problem for healthy individuals, but it can cause microcephaly in babies whose mothers get the virus while pregnant. Microcephaly causes abnormal shape to an infant's head and to their brain development. I pulled this microcephaly symptoms list from the CDC website:
- Seizures
- Developmental delay, such as problems with speech or other developmental milestones (like sitting, standing, and walking)
- Intellectual disability (decreased ability to learn and function in daily life)
- Problems with movement and balance
- Feeding problems, such as difficulty swallowing
- Hearing loss
- Vision problems
Is There a Cure?
Currently there is no vaccine. One should take care of themselves as a normal sick person would if they do get the virus. Rest and plenty of water will help.
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