The Zika virus was the talk of the town in 2016. It was a global health emergency that gained significant media attention, especially during the summer Olympic games held in Brazil. Despite this, it has since faded from public consciousness and is now largely forgotten. But its effects still linger on, and the virus is still very much a threat to global health today. In this blog article, we’ll discuss what exactly Zika is, how it spread and what can be done to prevent its re-emergence. We’ll also highlight some of the successes that have been made in controlling the virus and why more needs to be done in order to protect us from this forgotten epidemic.

What is Zika and where did it come from?

Zika is a virus that is primarily spread by mosquitoes. It can also be spread through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and from mother to child during pregnancy. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and pink eye. However, Zika can also cause serious birth defects in pregnant women, including microcephaly (a condition where a baby’s head is smaller than normal) and other neurological problems.

Zika was first discovered in 1947 in Uganda. However, it was not until 2015 that the virus began to spread rapidly through South America and into the Caribbean. As of 2016, there have been over 1 million confirmed cases of Zika worldwide. While the vast majority of these cases have been in Brazil, there have also been outbreaks in other countries, including Colombia, El Salvador, French Polynesia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Samoa.

The last great Zika outbreak and why it’s been forgotten

The last great Zika outbreak occurred in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It was first identified in Uganda in 1947 and spread to other parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. By the time it had dissipated, an estimated 1 million people had been infected.

Forgotten because it largely affected rural populations in developing countries, the outbreak wasn’t well-documented. And since Zika was considered a mild disease at the time, there was no urgency to find a vaccine or cure.

With no one paying attention, the virus quietly slipped into obscurity – until now.

How can we prevent Zika from re-emerging?

In order to prevent Zika from re-emerging, we need to understand how the virus works and what factors contribute to its spread. Zika is primarily spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The virus can also be spread through sexual contact and blood transfusions.

There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika, so prevention is key. To prevent Zika from spreading, we need to reduce the number of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This can be done by eliminating breeding sites, using insecticides, and providing education on how to avoid mosquito bites. We also need to increase surveillance for Zika so that we can quickly identify any outbreaks and take steps to stop them from spreading.

What are the long-term effects of Zika?

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can have severe consequences for pregnant women and their babies. While the virus is usually mild, with symptoms that last for a few days to a week, it can sometimes lead to more serious health problems such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, microcephaly, and other birth defects.

There is currently no vaccine or treatment available for Zika, so the best way to prevent it is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. This can be done by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and staying in places with air conditioning or screens on windows and doors.

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, it is especially important to take measures to avoid Zika since it can cause serious birth defects. If you must travel to an area where Zika is present, talk to your doctor first and make sure to take precautions against mosquito bites.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Zika virus is a serious threat to health and well-being that has been forgotten but still lingers in our environment. It’s imperative that we take action now to prevent its re-emergence and spread. By increasing public awareness about the dangers of Zika, encouraging people to practice safe sex, providing insect repellent kits for pregnant women, and improving healthcare access in at risk communities we can help reduce the likelihood of another outbreak. Together, let’s make sure we don’t forget about this often forgotten virus again!