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We explain the Zika virus.
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Vicky and Daniel are planning on visiting Brazil this summer for the Olympics.
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They're worried because the World Health Organization recently declared a public health emergency of international concern regarding the Zika virus.
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It is spreading rapidly in South America, and travel notices are in effect.
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Should Vicky and Daniel still visit Brazil?
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They decided to do some research to learn about the Zika virus.
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Zika is a Flavivirus.
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In the same family is yellow fever,
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dengue, West Nile and Chikungunya viruses.
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It reached Brazil last year and has spread to the America's, Pacific Islands in Africa.
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It is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which contract Zika when feeding on an infected person.
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Experts believe the spike in Zika has a lot to do with climate change.
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Last year was one of the hottest years on record.
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The warmer the weather, the faster mosquitoes grow and reproduce.
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?Plus who can tell mosquitoes not to fly across borders.
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If infected. Symptoms such as conjunctivitis, fever and joint pain last several days, and the virus remains in the blood for about a week.
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Fortunately, severe infection requiring hospitalization is not common,
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so Daniel and Vicky wonder why Zika is causing a health emergency.
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Well, because of a possible correlation between the Zika virus and pregnant women and microcephaly and their babies.
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Microcephaly causes infants to have a smaller head than usual, typically as a result of incomplete brain development.
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The number of infants with microcephaly in Brazil has dramatically increased since the spike in Zika virus.
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Vicky and Daniel are not planning on having a baby anytime soon, but they can spread Zika to others if they become infected.
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They don't want to contribute to another outbreak abroad.
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Vicky and Daniel look to vaccines. There are none yet, but medical researchers are working hard to create one.
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If they decide to go to Brazil, they can prevent Zika by staying in air conditioned areas behind protective screens and using bed nets.
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They should also stay fully clothed and use an environmentally friendly repellent when outside.
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If infected, staying inside for a week to prevent mosquito bites is recommended.
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And there's good news, researchers are experimenting with genetically modified male mosquitoes.
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They may help stop the spread of Zika, by passing a gene along to a female aedes mosquito causing offspring to die.
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Pesticides are also being sprayed and standing water receptacles where mosquitoes breed, are being emptied.
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Vicky and Daniel do in fact, decide to visit Brazil for the Summer Olympics.
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They take precautions, are proactive and have a wonderful time.
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We recommend you do the same.