Zika Virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. The symptoms of the Zika Virus include fever, joint pain, and red eyes also known as conjunctivitis. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by and infected mosquito. People don’t usually get sick enough to go to the hospital, and people can rarely die of Zika. This means not many people would be able to realize that they have been infected.
The Zika Virus can also be harsh for women pregnant with a child. During pregnancy the Zika Virus can cause serious birth defects to the child, known as microcephaly, along with other fetal brain defects.
Ways to prevent getting this horrible Zika Virus would be to wear insect spray that contains picaridin oil, lemon eucalyptus, and at least 20 percent DEET or IR3535 when traveling outdoors.You can also control the birth of mosquetos by not allowing standing water around your living enviroment. For Example: puddles, old water filled bird baths, and even drainage plates under your plants. Also people who travel to Mexico or Brazil can most likely catch this virus if not wearing the proper insect repellent. When traveling and when you have the Zika vVirus do not return to your home town because it will reduce the risk of spreading to your community.
Due to many cases of the Zika Virus in Brazil the powers behind The Olympics are deciding whether to relocate or cancel the Olympics for this year of 2016.
Texas County Diagnostics:
- Bexar- 6
- Collin- 2
- Dallas- 6
- Ellis- 1
- Fort Bend- 2
- Grayson- 1
- Harris- 13
- Tarrant- 4
- Travis- 2
- Val Verde- 1
- Williamson- 1
- Wise- 1
Total: 42 cases in Texas
All these diagnosed were travelers who were infected then returned home without being cured. The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging travelers to follow all safety precautions and all who might enter the outdoors.
Story and Photos by Molly Clegg, HS Intern
