Originally published on the CGS blog on March 9, 2016.
What can we do to fight Zika?
Zika was first discovered in Uganda in 1947 and was seen as a mild illness. Current events, however, tell a different story. Zika is now one of the most feared diseases, potentially causing cases of microcephaly and Guillian-Barré syndrome. Microcephaly is a condition that causes a baby to be born with a small head and can lead to improper brain development, while Guillain-Barré syndrome can result in muscle weakness and breathing problems.
Zika started out in small areas, but now has spread to over 20 different countries. One of the reasons Zika has spread so much is climate change. Global temperatures have increased, and so has the amount of rain. This type of weather makes it easier for mosquito-borne illnesses to develop. Zika originates from a mosquito called the Aeded aegypti, which thrives in warm and wet climates. Further climate damage could play a future role in spreading the Zika virus.
Although there is no official cure for Zika, there are some ways you can protect yourself.
It is highly suggested for pregnant woman to refrain from travel at all costs. If you are planning to travel soon, it is important to wear long-sleeved shorts and long pants. Use insect repellants that contain DEET or picaridin. Keep doors and windows closed and use air conditioning. Basically, avoid getting mosquito bites as much as you can.
There are also ways of protecting yourself when at home. The researchers interviewed for this story said that people need to make their homes and neighborhoods less friendly to mosquitos. Since Zika is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected mosquitos, it is important to rid your home of any containers left with even a little standing water. Avoid letting water collect in trashcans or containers outside of your home.
However, these tips are only for short-term safety. In the long run, we need to make a global effort to address the root causes of the problem. The nations of the world must come together to curb climate change, thereby creating an environment less conducive to spreading diseases like Zika.
