By Meghan Proctor ’16

The Zika virus became a global problem last month, and it continues to become a major issue around the world. The virus was first discovered in 1947, but was not a fear until May of last year, when the first case in Brazil was reported. The virus spread has to more than 23 countries across the Americas since then. The World Health Organization declared Zika a global health crisis on February 1.

This virus is most commonly transmitted through a bite of an infected mosquito, but it is also likely that it can be transmitted through sexual contact. Common symptoms of Zika include fever, rash, pain in joints and muscles and eye redness. These symptoms generally last a few days and are not usually fatal. There is no vaccine to prevent the virus, nor is there a cure. The virus typically leaves the infected person’s bloodstream about a week after infection, and symptoms can be treated by getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated. However, the main concerns about the virus are for pregnant women who, if infected, can pass the virus to the fetus. Scientists have found evidence linking this virus to major birth defects, particularly microcephaly, which decreases the size of the infant’s head and brain. There is also a possibility that on rare occasions, the virus can lead to Guillain-Barré in adults, causing temporary paralysis.

The rapid spread of the Zika virus has raised concerns regarding international travel, especially with the risk of pregnant women catching the virus resulting in birth defects. These concerns are especially prevalent regarding the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil, where the virus is spreading particularly rapidly. While the International Olympic Committee has no plans on canceling the summer games or moving them to a new location, they are taking measures to ensure that as few people get infected as possible.

Rio 2016 spokesperson Phil Wilkinson stated that one measure includes inspecting the stadium and surrounding area “on a daily basis during the Rio 2016 Games to ensure that there are no puddles of stagnant water and therefore minimize the risk of coming into contact with mosquitoes.” The main obstacle to monitoring the virus is the fact that only 20 percent of people with Zika show any symptoms, but those infected can still spread the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also released a statement on its website advising pregnant women to “consider not going to the Olympics.”

As of early March, over 150 cases of the Zika virus have been reported in the United States. In all of these cases, the patient contracted the virus while traveling overseas. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is currently developing a vaccine for the virus to prevent more people from getting infected, but it may take several years before it is available to the public. The NIAID predicts that trials for the vaccine can begin later this year.