Joseph Fajardo
Principles of Writing
Professor: Thomas Kelly Faulkner
February 10, 2016

Zika Virus

“Zika virus was first isolated in 1947, a rhesus monkey in the forest Zika, located in Uganda.” Researchers there found that it lived in mosquitoes, and they learned through experimentation that it could also infect mice” (PhD Jennifer, 2016) For a long time, Zika virus disease was confined to the equatorial regions of Asia and Africa” (Virus D. a., 2016); “The Zika virus is an endemic microorganism in Africa and Asia; it is related to a group of viruses named flaviviruses and is connected to the dengue virus” (Virus T. Z., 2016)

However, during the post-2005 period, Zika virus disease began to spread to other parts of the world too. The appearance in South America has been linked to an increased incidence of microcephaly (small head and brain practice) among newborns (causation has not been established yet). “Recent studies have pointed to the fact that the Zika virus has the potential to be extended to those regions of the United States, where more than 60% of the population (200 million) reside” (Virus D. a., 2016). As malaria and dengue fever are believed to Zika virus to spread by mosquitoes bite; Aedes aegypti is considered to be the culprit. This species of mosquito is the same that is involved in the spread of diseases of dengue and chikungunya.

Some Ideas:

* Where Zika virus is present? * What are the symptoms of the disease virus Zika? * How you can diagnose Zika? * What is the difference between the Zika, dengue and chikungunya? * About Prevention * What Steps is taking the World Health Organization? * Zika virus is present in tropical areas with high density of mosquitoes. It is known that circulating in Africa, the Americas, South Asia and the western Pacific.

Zika virus was discovered in 1947 but for many years only sporadic human cases of the disease in Africa and South Asia were detected. “In 2007 it was declared in the Pacific the first documented outbreak Zika virus. Since 2013, there have been reports and outbreaks of the disease in the western Pacific, the Americas and Africa” (Organization, 2016). Given the expansion of the habitats where mosquitoes can live and reproduce because of urbanization and globalization, major urban epidemics of disease Zika virus could occur worldwide.

Usually Zika virus causes a mild infection whose symptoms a few days after the bite of an infected mosquito. “Most affected people present a mild fever and a rash, symptoms that in some cases may be accompanied by conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue” (Organization, 2016). “Some pregnant women who have been to regions where Zika is present should be tested for the infection” (SAINT LOUIS, DONALD G. , & ST. FLEUR, 2016)

In most cases, the diagnosis based on symptoms of patients and the recent history (for example, if they have suffered mosquito bites or have traveled to an area in which it is known that the virus Zika is present). The diagnosis can be confirmed in a laboratory with blood tests.

All these diseases have similar symptoms, but some to suspect that it is either:

Dengue is usually high fever and muscle aches stronger. It can be complicated when falls fever and should pay attention to warning signs such as bleeding.

Chikungunya, along with a higher fever, joint pain is more intense and affects hands, feet, knees, back and can incapacitate (double) people to walk and perform actions as simple as opening a water bottle.

The Zika no particular characteristics, but in most patients seen in eruptions skin and in some conjunctivitis

Prevention is to reduce mosquito populations and avoid bites, which tend to occur mainly during the day. With the elimination and control of mosquito breeding Aedes Aegypti, the chances that Zika forward, chikungunya and dengue. It requires a comprehensive response involving several areas of action, from health, to education and the environment.” People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. There is currently no vaccine available” (World Health Organization, 2016)

To eliminate and control the mosquito is recommended:

* Avoid conserve water in containers outside (pots, bottles, containers that can collect water) to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes. * Cover tanks or water tanks for domestic use to keep out mosquitoes. * Avoid accumulating trash and throw it in plastic bags closed and keep in closed containers. * Unclog drains that can leave standing water. * Use mesh / screens on windows and doors also helps to reduce contact with mosquito’s people.

To avoid mosquito bites is recommended both people living in areas where there are cases like travelers and especially for pregnant women:

* Cover exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts, pants and hats * Use repellents recommended by health authorities and apply labels as indicated * Sleep in places that are protected with mosquito nets.

If you have symptoms of Zika, dengue or chikungunya, contact a health center.

World Health Organization is actively working with the countries of the Americas so that they can develop or maintain the capacity to detect and confirm cases of Zika, so they know how to care for people suffering from this disease and so that they can implement effective strategies to reduce the presence of the mosquito and minimize the possibility of an outbreak. The support applies:

* To strengthen laboratory capacity, so they can detect the virus in a timely manner (in collaboration with other collaborating centers and strategic partners).

* In advising on risk communication, in response to the introduction of the virus in the country.

* In vector control, for work together with the population actively to eliminate mosquito populations

* To develop recommendations for clinical care and monitoring of people with Zika, in collaboration with professionals and experts from countries associations.

* To monitor the geographical spread of the virus and the development of complications and severe through monitoring and event reporting country through the channel of International Healthy Policies

* Are supporting initiatives for the ministries of health to learn more characteristics of the virus, its impact on health and the possible consequences of their infection.

Bibliografy

Virus, D. a. (03 de February de 2016). Write Perfekt. Recuperado el 15 de February de 2016, de Write Perfekt: http://www.writeperfekt.com/blog/zika-virus-disease-sample-essay

Organization, W. H. (01 de February de 2016). World Health Organization. Recuperado el 15 de February de 2016, de Disease virus Zika: Questions and Answers: http://www.who.int/features/qa/zika/es/

Virus, T. Z. (10 de February de 2016). Academic Help: Write Better. Recuperado el 18 de February de 2016, de Academic Help: Write Better: https://academichelp.net/samples/academics/essays/expository/the-zika-virus.html

SAINT LOUIS, C., DONALD G. , M., & ST. FLEUR, N. (12 de February de 2016). Short Answers to Hard Questions About Zika Virus. The New York Times .

World Health Organization. (February de 2016). Zika virus. Recuperado el 18 de February de 2016, de World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/

PhD Jennifer, J. (16 de February de 2016). Everyday Health. Recuperado el 18 de February de 2016, de 10 Essential Facts About the Zika Virus: http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/10-essential-facts-about-zika-virus/