Should We be Concerned About Zika Virus?

I originally wasn't going to write a blog on this topic.  However, after listening to the hyperbole of horror stories covered by the television news medium, I couldn't remain on the sidelines.

Zika and dengue are strains of the same virus.  This is important to note because dengue has been around for decades and no large outbreaks of this virus have ever been recorded in this country.  The two strains of virus are transmitted by the same vector....the pesky mosquito. This pest is found in very warm climates...South America, Central America and the Caribbean....not in the U.S.

Here are the facts:
1.  Science does not know if the Zika virus causes birth defects; it has identified an association.  That means that there is research going on to determine if there is an actual cause and effect between the Zika virus-carrying mosquito and birth defects.

2.  Pregnant women should not travel to those areas of the world know to be associated with this virus-carrying mosquito.  That's just common sense.

3.  There is no significant danger to the general population concerning this virus.  An estimated 80% of those infected didn't even know they had been exposed.  Those who are immuno-compromised always need to be vigilant.

4.  It is highly improbable (although possible) that there will be significant outbreaks of the Zika virus in this country.  Localized pockets of some infections are possible...mostly in the Gulf Coast states.

5.  In order for this virus to become of any concern, someone would need to be bitten by a Zika mosquito, return to the U.S., be bitten by a local mosquito, which would then carry the virus, bite another person and transmit the virus to that other person and so on.

6. There is no need for anyone to panic about this virus, especially in the northern states.  For pregnant women traveling to those above-mentioned countries, keeping your immune system healthy is the best deterrent to succumbing to this or any virus because, as of now, there is no Zika virus vaccine.

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com