The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne illness that has been known to cause birth defects and neurological complications in infants, has been spreading across the globe since its discovery in 1947. While it was initially confined to Africa and Asia, it has since made its way to the Americas, causing a major outbreak in 2015 and 2016. Now, health experts are warning that the virus could be on its way to Europe.
What Is The Zika Virus?
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that is primarily spread by the Aedes mosquito. The virus was first discovered in the Zika Forest of Uganda in 1947, but it wasn’t until 2015 that the virus gained worldwide attention due to its association with birth defects, specifically microcephaly.
The virus is primarily spread through mosquito bites, but it can also be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Symptoms of the Zika virus include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, but many people may not experience any symptoms at all.
The Institute Of Tropical Medicine’s Warning
Filomeno Fortes, when interviewed by the Lusa agency about the 6th Congress of Tropical Medicine, commencing on Thursday in Lisbon, mentioned that Portugal has identified the Aedes albopictus mosquito which is capable of transmitting diseases such as zika, dengue, and chikungunya. He also emphasized that the eggs of this mosquito can remain dormant for more than a year.
According to Filomeno Fortes, the discovery of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in Madeira, as well as in northern (Penafiel) and southern (Mértola) regions of mainland Portugal, raises the likelihood of dengue, zika, and chikungunya outbreaks. The Institute has stated that it’s important for people to be aware of the risks and to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
The warning comes after the Zika virus made its way to Brazil in 2015 and spread rapidly throughout South and Central America, causing a public health emergency. The virus has since been reported in other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, but this is the first time that it has been predicted to spread to Europe.
Potential Impact Of The Zika Virus On Europe
If the Zika virus does spread to Europe, it could have significant consequences. One of the main concerns is the potential for the virus to cause birth defects and neurological complications in infants, as it has in other parts of the world. This could be particularly problematic in countries with limited access to healthcare, as affected babies would require long-term medical care.
Another concern is the potential impact on tourism, as travelers may be hesitant to visit areas with active Zika virus transmission. This could have economic implications for countries that rely on tourism as a major source of income.
The potential spread of the Zika virus to Europe is a concern for health experts and the general public alike. While the risk is still relatively low, it is important to take steps to prevent transmission and limit the potential impact of the virus. By controlling the mosquito population and limiting travel to areas with active Zika virus transmission, we can reduce the risk of the virus spreading and protect the health of those who may be affected.
