The Lincoln Lantern News

February, 2016

   Vol. 1 No. 4 Lincoln Humanities/Communications and Magnet 2826 Elsie Faye Heggins Dallas, TX 75125 (972)-925-7600

Zika Virus on the Rise

By: Remy Hill

Zika is a virus that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Statistics says that 1 in 5 people who become infected will experience symptoms such as a mild, fever, rash, red eyes and joint pain. The Zika virus transmitted by the aggressive Aedes Aegypti mosquito, has now spread to at least 24 countries.

    The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is an aggressive biter that likes to live in homes, and bites during the day. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which spreads the virus, has been found in Texas, but the virus hasn’t been seen in local Texas mosquitoes. It has however been spreading rapidly, and anyone bitten while traveling could spread the virus to local mosquitoes.  

 Health officials believe that 3 million to 4 million people across the Americas will be infected with the virus in the next year. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention warns pregnant women against travel to those areas. Health officials in several of those countries are telling female citizens to avoid becoming pregnant; in some cases for up to two years. The U.S. Defense Department is offering voluntary relocation to pregnant employees and their beneficiaries who are stationed in affected areas. The virus is spreading and the only way to prevent the infection is by covering up, wearing insect repellent, turning on the air conditioning, closing all windows, and most importantly by not getting bitten. (dallasmorningnews.org)

At press time the Zika virus had spread to over 40 reported cases. The Center for Disease Control is discouraging any travel to South American countries or any affected areas. A call has recently gone out to cancel the Rio Olympics.

Vol. 1 No. 4 Lincoln Humanities/Communications and Magnet 2826 Elsie Faye Heggins Dallas, TX 75125 (972)-925-7600