The Zika Virus Affecting The Fetus

Not too long ago the Zika virus was making headlines and warnings were pushed to Americans traveling to tropical regions. Although this issue isn’t buzzing in the news more recently, danger has not disappeared and studies are still being conducted to answer the big question: how is the Zika virus crossing the placenta and affecting the fetus? The Zika virus can be transmitted through mosquito bites, from an infected pregnant mother to her fetus and through sexual intercourse. One thing that is interesting is that once someone is infected with Zika virus, the symptoms are mild and only last about a week. This makes it difficult for one to realize that they have contracted the virus. Sexual transmission of Zika occurs often because people don’t feel ill and go about their normal activities as …show more content…
The CDC is one organization that is interested in improving health outcomes related to the Zika virus. I find it outstanding that the CDC provides support to healthcare care providers as they counsel women infected during pregnancy. The CDC also supports planning at the federal, state, and local levels for clinics and other services needed by families affected by Zika. The CDC is also working hard to studying Zika’s pathogenesis and epidemiology, while further studying mosquito species. The CDC is working on antiviral drugs and studying how the virus binds to cells. I find it important that organizations like the CDC make it their mission to study in depth the aspects of diseases and publish safety warnings and prevention techniques to the public. Some prevention techniques that the CDC and EPA recommend include wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when traveling in Zika prone areas. It’s also important to stay in air conditioned or screened-in buildings. Additionally, the CDC recommends condom usage to prevent sexual transmission of the