“Because the Aedes species mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are found throughout the world, including the USA, it is anticipated that outbreaks will spread to new countries”, the DPH statement says.
Advertisement
Aedes aegypti and a couple of other species of Aedes day-biting mosquitoes are the main vectors and these are known to exist in every country in the Americas except for Canada and Chile. The zika virus outbreak may seem worlds away, but local doctors said the mosquito-born illness is one to watch for.
While there isn’t a risk of the virus being transmitted locally – B.C. doesn’t have the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits the disease – the concern is about Canadians travelling to affected areas, as the virus has spread rapidly and is now active in more than 20 countries, including Mexico and many others across Central and South America.
The agency recommends pregnant women avoid travel to places where Zika is present.
The Zika virus, discovered decades ago in Africa, was long thought to be more of a nuisance illness, with symptoms generally much milder than its cousin dengue.
Health officials expect the virus to spread throughout the Americas. Unlike some of those viruses, there is no vaccine to prevent Zika or medicine that can treat the infection. Many of his detractors believe that Castro can not handle the Zika virus on a global scale, leading him to say such uncalled for words on such a delicate subject.
The most crippling fear brought by Zika virus is the possibility that pregnant women infected are giving birth to babies with Microcephaly as in the many cases reported in Brazil. While scientists try to prove if Zika is the cause, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised pregnant women to reconsider travel to Brazil and 21 other countries and territories with outbreaks.
A rare tropical disease is spreading in parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Arkansas Department of Health says a person who recently travelled out of the United States has tested positive for the Zika virus. But what we haven’t had is evidence of the spread of the infection from one person to another in this country. The NIAID is also working on testing new drugs that might be effective against the virus. Some people who are infected do not have any symptoms.
Advertisement
US officials say pregnant women should consider postponing trips to 22 destinations with Zika infections, including Puerto Rico. Babies may also be born with microcephaly if, during pregnancy, their mother abused drugs or alcohol or became infected with a number of viral or toxic agents. But we’re not entirely sure yet whether some of the Australian mosquitoes could carry Zika virus.
