What health communicators can learn from Ebola Since the World Health Organisation declared Zika a global public health emergency in February of this year, much attention has been brought to bear on applying lessons learned during the Ebola crisis of 2014-15.
Zika virus Overview Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito (
Aedes aegypti and
Aedes albopictus). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week, and many people do not have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms.
Identified the seven most harmful proteins in zika virus A group of US scientists has been able to identify the 7 most harmful proteins of the Zika virus, a finding that may help better understand how that disease attacks the cells of the human body, according to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Temperatures could accelerate the success of a Zika vaccine As warmer temperatures herald annoying mosquitoes, the researchers are feverishly working on several promising vaccines against zika, a virus known to infect humans through the bite of this insect. The speed and debilitating effects of last year's zika outbreak in the Western Hemisphere generated a race to develop a vaccine. Just over a year after this pandemic was declared a global health emergency, a group of volunteers are undergoing preliminary testing.
New Year update about Zika virus The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus originally discovered in the Zika Forest area in Uganda in 1947. It was not considered a relevant pathogen for humans until the outbreaks of fever illness that occurred in the Pacific area in 2007, and later in 2013-14. However, it was its arrival and dramatic spread in Brazil and other Latin American and Caribbean countries that alarmed public health authorities and the scientific community.
Zika virus precautions and winter travel plans For many Michigan residents, the winter months often include travel to warmer climates. To date, Michigan has confirmed 69 cases of Zika virus disease in travelers, including three pregnant women. All of the Zika cases in Michigan are travel related.
Zika Symptoms Many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms of Zika are: Fever, Rash, Joint pain, Conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other symptoms include: Muscle pain, Headache.
Questions about Zika Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito (
Aedes aegypti and
Aedes albopictus). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week, and many people do not have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe brain defects.
The Importance of Continuous Learning in the Time of Zika According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), pregnant women have the same risk of being infected with Zika virus, which is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, as the general population.
Testing for Zika Diagnosis and testing for Zika virus. To diagnose Zika, a doctor or other healthcare provider will ask about any recent travel and any signs and symptoms. A blood or urine test can confirm a Zika infection.