Causes Of The Zika Virus In Puerto Rico
The Zika virus can be contracted by being bitten by the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Puerto Rico being an island where is warm all year round makes the perfect breeding environment for this mosquito. At least 117 people have tested positive for the Zika virus in Puerto Rico and five of them are pregnant women.
The Zika virus in Puerto Rico, how did it get there? Is the population in Puerto Rico able to fight this epidemic? How can the people in the island protect themselves from acquiring this virus? The Zika virus is creating a huge problem in human health in the island, many cases have come forward of this dangerous virus.
The Zika virus causes headaches, fever and rash, though most people the virus never show symptoms. The CDC in Brazil and in
Puerto Rico are researching if this virus can cause microcephaly. The CDC officials have set up a temporary lab to breed the mosquito that carries this virus to determine if the mosquito is resistant to the insecticides that are currently being used in the island.
The Puerto Rican government has halted all blood donations in the island to avoid the spreading of the virus, and had started to buy blood from the red cross, after recommendations of the U.S Food and Drug Administration. The Puerto Rican governor has declared a public health emergency and the CDC has asked congress for $250 million in emergency aid to battle the Zika virus in the island.
Health officials are stressing the fact that eliminating breeding sites is key point to preventing a Zika epidemic in the Caribbean. Also, taking measure like installing screens on your doors and windows, fumigating public places, especially schools. Maintaining the surrounding of your homes clean and emptying containers with water in them, like buckets, plant vases, and old tires.
The Zika virus in Puerto Rico, how did it get there? Is the population in Puerto Rico able to fight this epidemic? How can the people in the island protect themselves from acquiring this virus? The Zika virus is creating a huge problem in human health in the island, many cases have come forward of this dangerous virus.
The Zika virus causes headaches, fever and rash, though most people the virus never show symptoms. The CDC in Brazil and in
Puerto Rico are researching if this virus can cause microcephaly. The CDC officials have set up a temporary lab to breed the mosquito that carries this virus to determine if the mosquito is resistant to the insecticides that are currently being used in the island.
The Puerto Rican government has halted all blood donations in the island to avoid the spreading of the virus, and had started to buy blood from the red cross, after recommendations of the U.S Food and Drug Administration. The Puerto Rican governor has declared a public health emergency and the CDC has asked congress for $250 million in emergency aid to battle the Zika virus in the island.
Health officials are stressing the fact that eliminating breeding sites is key point to preventing a Zika epidemic in the Caribbean. Also, taking measure like installing screens on your doors and windows, fumigating public places, especially schools. Maintaining the surrounding of your homes clean and emptying containers with water in them, like buckets, plant vases, and old tires.