Doctors Raise Alarm as Paralyzing Zika Virus Strikes Popular US Vacation Destination

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A virus transmitted by mosquitoes, which is associated with both birth defects and paralysis, has been identified. Hawaii for the first time in ages.

The local health authority disclosed one verified instance of the Zika virus along with two additional cases being monitored.

The verified case involved someone who had returned from abroad, whereas authorities identified two people who might have been exposed.

The three patients stayed on the island of Oʻahu and in the thinly populated northern coastal areas of Waialua and Haleʻiwa. first reported case of Zika in Hawaii since 2019.

Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquito, which also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.

They are common in Texas , Florida And in other parts of the U.S., especially in the southern states.

Many grown-ups don't get severely sick from this infection, however, in uncommon instances, it may lead to harm of the nerves, brain, or spinal cord along with a blood condition that could cause bleeding, bruising, or delayed blood clotting.

Infection with Zika virus whilst pregnant may lead to severe congenital abnormalities and is associated with various pregnancy issues such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature delivery.

In the United States, instances of the Zika virus are largely due to travel-related infections, with only occasional local spread. The annual count of these cases has fluctuated considerably, peaking notably in 2016.

In that year, there were over 5,000 travel-associated cases, with 224 locally acquired cases. However, following this high, the number of cases dropped significantly, to over 400 in 2017 and in 2023, there were just 7 confirmed cases.

Hawaii's health department says it is currently monitoring mosquito activity in the affected areas and will 'implement further control measures as needed'.

Both residents and visitors are being advised to take extra measures to minimize mosquito proliferation and prevent insect bites.

Several suggestions within the health warning advise using mosquito repellant whenever outside and opting for loose clothing with long sleeves and full-length trousers.

Residents have likewise been advised to ensure their bug screens are undamaged and to keep their doors shut.

In the meantime, all stagnant water near houses and structures should be eliminated since this is where mosquitoes usually reproduce.

After the Zika virus establishes itself in a person’s body, it can be transmitted among individuals through unprotected sexual intercourse and from expectant mothers to their offspring.

The virus has been detected in semen, vaginal fluids, saliva, urine, and breast milk.

The symptoms of Zika virus usually appear as light indicators and can encompass fever, rash, headaches, discomfort in joints, reddened eyes, and muscle soreness. These signs generally persist for several days up to a week.

Roughly 80 percent of people infected with Zika virus do not show symptoms.

According to the CDC, there is neither a preventative vaccine nor any treatments available.

When the virus is transmitted from the mother to her fetus, it can impact the development of the fetal brain, leading to microcephaly.

Microcephaly is a condition in which babies' heads are unusually small, which can lead to seizures, delayed development and other disabilities.

The virus can also increase the risk of unborn children developing Guillain-Barre syndrome – an uncommon illness in which the immune system attacks the nerves and can cause muscle weakness and paralysis.

Although Hawaii hosts the mosquito species that can transmit Zika, health authorities state that the virus isn't present in the area.

Experts specializing in diseases transmitted by mosquitoes are worried that with increasing global temperatures, warmer and wetter conditions will become commonplace in previously unaffected areas. This shift could transform these regions into ideal environments where mosquito numbers can surge dramatically.

As temperatures rise and mosquitoes move into areas where they formerly couldn’t survive, their expanded range and increased longevity provide more chances for disease transmission in regions that were previously unaffected.

So far, Zika has been most widespread in Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

In 2016, a viral outbreak occurred in Brazil’s capital city, Rio de Janeiro. That same year, concerns arose regarding the possibility of cancelling the Olympics due to over 200 scholars sending a letter to the World Health Organization expressing their worries about the situation.

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