As the heat of summer is fast approaching, so is mosquito season. This means the growing danger of the Zika virus. It is spread by a specific species of mosquito, but then could also be spread by the person who is infected.
Some individuals who are infected might not even be affected by the symptoms, which include rash, joint pain, and fever. However, if the virus is contracted by a pregnant women there are serious birth defects, the symptoms are being linked to a brain defect called microcephaly. This causes the baby’s head to be smaller and creates problems with the development of the brain.
According to the Center for Disease and Control (CDC) there are more than 1,000 Americans who have contracted the virus while traveling. The biggest numbers being 114 people in New York and 109 in Florida. The CDC also reported that 157 pregnant women in the United States have been affected.
The virus is also spreading in other parts of the world as well, and there is no cure or vaccine for Zika as of yet. Therefore this is not just a domestic or just an overseas threat, everyone needs to come together in order to research, detect, and respond.
There is a lot about the virus that is still not known and there is also limited knowledge about how easily it will spread. Many organizations including the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) and universities are now studying the virus and also reaching out to the public to make them more aware.
As temperatures rise it is expected that the virus could spread further inland. Many states are getting prepared, New York senators are urging a bill which would provide emergency funding to fight the spread of the Zika virus. However it is also a problem for the country but it has become more of a problem of funding in Congress.
Lawmakers could not reconcile their differences for a Zika prevention funding bill. Instead they were preparing for their recess for Memorial Day on May 30. However last week President Obama told lawmakers that they would not be able to unless they decided on legislation for public health.
If we do not learn and study it then when the problem becomes bigger the country will not be able to respond properly. As President Obama said “To the extent that we’re not handling this thing on the front end, we’re going to have bigger problems on the back end.” Even though this complaint cannot change congressional schedule, hopefully law makers will take it seriously.
Congressmen might take recess but the Zika carrying mosquitos do not. Even though it is not a very serious problem in the United States as of yet we do not know the future dangers.
The summer is here, but do not put all your guards down, everyone should take precautionary measures, if you are traveling stay cautious, and we will continue to keep you updated.
