10 years later: Why Zika still matters скачать в хорошем качестве

10 years later: Why Zika still matters

Zika hasn't gone away. It’s just circulating quietly. 🦟 Ten years ago, the World Health Organization declared Zika a public health emergency. This was a direct response to a surge in cases of microcephaly in Brazil – a condition where babies are born with smaller heads, which can lead to severe neurological conditions. To date, the virus has been reported in 92 countries and territories. More than 60 other countries have the mosquitoes that carry it, but limited surveillance means we are often not looking for it. This is a dangerous blind spot. For most people, Zika causes a mild fever. But for pregnant people, the risks are life-changing. There is currently no vaccine or treatment. You can reduce the risk by: using mosquito nets and sprays practising safer sex, as the virus can spread through sexual contact using effective contraceptives to plan pregnancies during outbreaks. At Wellcome, we believe science can stay ahead of the next wave. We are funding research to understand how Zika interacts with other viruses like dengue, ensuring we’re prepared for what comes next. #Zika #GlobalHealth #Science #PublicHealth #Wellcome