The Zika virus causes worry in the U.S.
October 21, 2016
Late July in Miami Beach Florida, the Zika virus officially reached the United States after surfacing all around the world for a few months. There’s been 63 reported cases of people showing symptoms of serious illness throughout the United States, from what was once a “harmless” mosquito bite. Even though there has only been one reported death in Utah, the Zika virus cases are continuing to accumulate.
Scientists and researchers have discovered new impacts of the virus including its harmful effects on pregnant women because it cause various birth defects. However number of known cases throughout the world have proven that everyone is still susceptible to obtaining the Zika virus through mosquitos. So far there are no reports of Zika in New Jersey, but the virus is still spreading.
According to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. Additionally the Zika virus can remain in the bloodstream of an infected person for about a week, so everyone is recommended to visit their doctors or other healthcare providers for a blood test and a check up.
“Students should now start applying bug spray on their bodies before going outside, said school nurse Mrs. Frisch. “Since there are no viable vaccines for the Zika virus, they must try to prevent the disease, before it’s too late,” she said.
As of right now there have been more than 23,000 confirmed Zika cases in the U.S., according to the CDC. This includes 3,300 cases in the continental U.S. and more than 19,000 cases in the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa. New York recently surpassed Florida as the state with the most travel-related Zika cases having 606. Cities such as Miami have been using an aerial spray of insecticide to eliminate the viral infection.
Students are feeling nervous about the virus and their future because they really don’t know what’s going on.
“When I get older, I am nervous about the birth of my children because I don’t them to have birth defects that could prevent them from having a successful future. There lives shouldn’t be determined by the Zika virus,” said sophomore Tyler Giardina.
The United States government has still not found a viable source of treatment to the Zika virus. Doctors are currently informing their patients with Zika virus to get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids and treat pain and fever with common medicines. Doctors think that if the symptoms worsen, people should seek medical care and advice.
“For now on I will carry bug spray whenever I approach a wilderness type area,” said junior Anthony Bellomo. “There’s no way I’m getting Zika.”
