Zika Virus Update: Brazilian Carnival Pushes Through Despite Colombian Report of Over 3,000 Cases in Pregnant Women
On Saturday, Colombia reported that over 3,000 pregnant women have been infected with the mosquito-born Zika virus, but despite the warnings that world health organizations have passed on for the past weeks, Brazilian parties pushed through.
According to Reuters, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos confirmed that more than 3,100 pregnant women are infected with the virus and there seems to be no stopping the disease as it continues to batter various regions around the world.
While Brazil was the first to release an alarming record of cases in its community, it is surprising that millions still graced the kick-off of the country's carnival in Recife. More surprisingly, the city reportedly has the most number of cases in the whole of Brazil. Despite the local government's warning about the risks that people are taking especially since the disease has not been stabilized yet, over a million people graced the festivities.
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More people are still expected to storm into Rio de Janeiro for the next two days or so since the activities will wrap up on Wednesday morning, meaning more people will possibly be exposed to the virus.
One of the reasons why Zika has become an international phenomenon is Brazil's report that there is a strong link between babies with microcephaly and Zika-infected mothers. Microcephaly is a case seen in children born with abnormally tiny heads that can result to developmental issues in the long run.
Earlier last month, Brazil and Colombia have both warned its women against getting pregnant until the health scare is resolved. Visiting Zika-infested countries have also been discouraged among tourists. However, as the virus continues to spread, people keep on with their travels in the said countries.
The Zika virus is obtained after a human gets bitten by an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. It is the same mosquito that transmits chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever, which is why it is sometimes hard to diagnose. Symptoms include a mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, and some body pains.
