Mosquitos and the Zika Virus

[Cleoriff]

Extremely worrying news when the World Health Organisation (W.H.O) has issued warnings that this virus is 'spreading explosively'.The Zika virus is transmitted by a certain breed of mosquito

Currently the Zika Virus is in 23 countries in the Americas... and the reason for alarm is fourfold.....

*1) The possible association of infection with birth malformations and neurological syndromes.

*2) The potential for further international spread given the wide geographical distribution of the mosquito vector.

*3) The lack of population immunity in newly affected areas.

*4) The absence of vaccines.....

Pregnant woman are being advised not to travel to the countries affected ....as this virus causes awful defects in the unborn child.

Another worry is the risk of the disease spreading to Europe. Mosquitos breeding in Italy.Spain etc etc.. can become carriers if prevailing weather conditions (El Nino) continue

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/28/zika-virus-spreading-explosively-says-world-health-orga...

http://www.cdc.gov/zika/

[Toby]

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@Cleoriff wrote:

@jonsie Has reported in the Lounge about 5 confirmed cases of the Zika virus in Thailand. On BBC news this morning we are told there are an 'unprecedented' amount of women asking for abortions in Latin American countries.....I suspect we will see thousands more...

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Sorry to hear that its being seen there too @jonsie. Are people really aware of it there and talking about it there?

[jonsie]

It only made the news this morning so people here are just learning about it. There was a programme this morning that we watched which issued the usual warnings and the government has indicated they will step up the insecticides being sprayed already to counteract Dengue disease. Almost impossible to stop that and the Zika virus given the vast amount of water here. I already have numerous mosquito bites which aren't painful but very itchy.

[Cleoriff]

More very disturbing news about the affects of the Zika Virus on newborns. It is currently being linked to joint deformities. Brazilian researchers at Recife have published results of their recent study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) The seven babies with suspected Zika infection that they studied in hospital had been born with hip, knee, ankle, elbow, wrist and/or finger joint problems that fit with a medical diagnosis called arthrogryposis. Research teams in the UK have stated that 'the evidence is pretty compelling' 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-37010221

[jonsie]

More bad news here about the first baby related death in the US

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/zika-virus-texas-baby-microcephaly-dies-complicatio...

[Cleoriff]

Sad news ..but only a matter of time I thought....