By Chioma Umeha
What it Zika?
Zika is a mosquito-borne illness named for the
forest in Uganda where it originates. American and European scientists
unintentionally discovered it in 1947 while studying a rhesus monkey for yellow
fever. It did not appear in humans until 1952 when it was reported in Uganda
and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Is this the first outbreak of this scale?
Yes. The first major outbreak of Zika occurred in
Micronesia in 2007. There were just 49 confirmed cases and no hospitalizations.
The next was 2013-2014 in French Polynesia, which resulted in a total of 19,000
suspected cases. Experts estimate that the number of those affected in the
current outbreak has already passed 1 million.
What happens to those infected?
In one out of five cases, nothing. Only 20 percent
of those infected show symptoms—the most common of which include fever, joint
pain, red eyes, and a bumpy rash. The illness is generally mild, rarely fatal,
and typically gone in a week.
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Why is it so dangerous?
Zika has been linked to two serious autoimmune and
neurological complications. The first is microcephaly, a severe birth defect
characterized by an abnormally small head. The underdeveloped brain can lead to
a host of other problems, including behavioral delays, trouble walking, and blindness.
There is no cure.
Second is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare
disorder in which the body’s immune systems attacks its own nerve cells,
resulting in weakened muscles or, less commonly, paralysis. Some recover fully
from GBS, while others have it for life.
Is there proof that Zika causes these things?
No. Since the first major outbreak of the disease
did not occur until 2007 there is limited research on the topic. At the moment,
the virus is showing a stronger link to microcephaly than GBS, with Brazil
reporting nearly 3,500 suspected cases in newborns since last fall.
It’s important to note that whether or not all of
these infants have microcephaly remains unclear. Brazilian authorities have
reportedly only tested 720 of the 3,448 suspected cases—of which, just 400 have
been confirmed. Scientists are still trying to determine the reason for false
positives.
How is Zika spread?
The main route of transmission for the disease is
Aedes mosquitoes—“yellow fever mosquitoes,” which are distinguishable through
white markings on their legs. They are most active in the morning and evening;
at night they hide in dark, cool places. Originating in Africa, they now fly on
every continent but Antarctica.
Can Zika be sexually transmitted too?
Yes, but its unclear how often this happens.
Previous to the current outbreak, scientists had identified just two cases of
sexual transmission. But this week in Texas, authorities confirmed that a man
had been infected after having sex with someone who just returned from Venezuela.
Why didn’t scientists study that connection
earlier?
They tried. A researcher named Brian Roy wrote a
2011 paper published in the journal ofEmerging Infectious Diseases arguing that
there was evidence of sexual transmission and that it warranted further study.
His requests for additional funding to continue his work were denied.
Is it safe to travel?
U.S. authorities have issued travel warnings for
the 20 countries in which Zika is spreading, suggesting travel to those
countries be delayed indefinitely (especially for pregnant women). The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that those who travel take every
precaution to prevent mosquito bites and practice safe sex.
Once someone has had Zika, how long does it remain
in his or her system?
This is one of the biggest questions facing
researchers. Most scientists agree that the virus remains in the blood for no
more than a week, but they are generally unclear whether it stays active in
other bodily fluids.
Of particular concern is semen, which was found to
be carrying Zika in one man 10 weeksafter he was diagnosed. On Friday,
Brazilians scientists discovered the virus in saliva and urine as well, which
is likely to prompt even tighter travel restrictions.
Is there a vaccine to fix this?
Not yet. Several groups of scientists have been
hard at work on Zika vaccines for the past few years, but none are close to
getting their medicine on the market. An Indian biotech firm which claims to
have two Zika vaccines has requested that the World Health Organization fast
track the process of getting approval—which takes years.
How will we stop it?
The CDC and WHO are adamant that, despite its
ability to be spread by humans, mosquitoes are the “real culprit” of Zika.
Experts worldwide have been weighing in on possible solutions, with some
suggesting we eliminate the yellow fever species of mosquitoes. Others have a
more ambitious vision: “Kill them all.”
