Recently, a student from Williamsburg, VA has contracted the Zika Virus. The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and it has already spread across countries around Central America, South America and it is expected to crawl into the United States.
University officials from the College of William and Mary has released information that one of their students has contracted the deadly Zika Virus. The student was traveling in Central America during the school's winter break. The good news is that the student is expected to recover and has not exhibited other symptoms.
After reports have indicated that it may enter the United States, the school has confirmed that there is no health threat to the student community and its campus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has worked with the school to analyze this situation.
Though that is the case, the World Health Organization held an emergency meeting recently regarding the Zika virus and has then declared the outbreak to now be a global crisis. How does one disease merit such international status? The sudden spread of the Zika virus has met conditions that would make it an international emergency, as stated by The Guardian.
"Members of the committee agreed that the situation meets the conditions for a public health emergency of international concern", says WHO Director Margaret Chan. This claim has started funding for the prevention and research for the virus so better diagnosis and prevention can be found. Chan who declared it a public health emergency has declared it a threat especially to pregnant women and babies.
The CDC continues to learn about the virus and there is no certainty that it will or will not spread in the United States.
How do you know if you have contracted the disease? Zika is a mosquito-borne virus and the most common symptoms exhibited are rash, fever, conjunctivitis and joint pain. It has been linked to severe birth defects that affected brain-damaged babies in Brazil and is similar to some symptoms of other mosquito-borne illnesses so it is wiser to check with your local physician for better consulting.
If you have traveled to Central or South America recently, don't panic. It is best to check with your local health clinic.
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