Sunday, April 2, 2017

Food Safety

Three Ways of Food Contamination

Chemical: Harmful chemicals get into food through improper storage or excess concentration
Physical: Physical contamination applies to objects that make their way into food, usually during preparation. Examples of this would be bandages, hair, fingernails, metal shavings, or parts of equipment.
Biological: Biological contaminants are small, and most often microscopic organisms that are either a natural part of the food, or are introduced to the food by improper handling. 

A band-aid found in food is an example of physical contamination. 

Five Biological Contaminants

Bacteria: Bacteria are single-celled and can grow anywhere. They do not need a living host such as an animal or human to reproduce. 
Virus: Examples of viruses that can contaminate food are Hepatitis A and Norovirus. Hapatitis B and C are not foodborne illnesses. Norovirus is very easily spread and can cause a lot of people to become sick at one time. It can also be spread for up to two weeks after the symptoms are gone. This is why it is very important to practice good personal hygiene. Bacteria and viruses are not simply killed by freezing, cold holding, or hot holding. 
Protozoa: Protozoan must have a living host to reproduce. Examples of protozoan are Giardia and Cryptosporidium 
Fungus/Yeast: Fungus and yeast require an acidic environment with low water activity. They typically cause food spoilage and are not usually a cause of foodborne illness. 
Parasites: Parasites are common in fish, pork, and wild game. Cooking and freezing at specific temperatures, as well as purchasing food from approved sources is important for parasite control. 


Moldy bread is an example of fungus/yeast contamination. 

FAT-TOM

"F" is for  food. Bacteria require a high carbohydrate, high protein source. Some examples of this are meat, seafood, and poultry. It would also include any cooked plant food such as a baked potato, pasta, or rice. 
"A" is for acidity. Bacteria cannot typically reproduce in a highly acidic food such as a lemon. 
"T" is for temperature. Bacteria rapidly reproduce between 41 degrees fahrenheit and 135 degrees fahrenheit. This is known as the danger zone. It is important to make sure that certain foods stay out of this temperature zone. 

"T"is for time. If bacteria are given enough time in the temperature range between 41 degrees fahrenheit and 135 degrees fahrenheit, then these organisms will start rapidly reproducing. The maximum amount of time that certain foods can spend in the danger zone is 4 hours. Time and temperature are very important in food safety to prevent rapid bacterial growth. 
"O" is for oxygen. "Aerobic" bacteria require oxygen to reproduce. "Anaerobic" bacteria do not require oxygen to reproduce. 
"M" is for moisture. Bacteria require moist foods to grow in. Plain water has a water activity of 1.0. Bacteria require a water activity  of 0.85 or higher. 


Top 5 causes of foodborne illness

1. Improper holding time & temperatures
2. Poor personal hygiene
3. Inadequate cooking
4. Contaminated equipment
5. Food from an unsafe source

Commonly transmitted diseases from people to food 

Viral Diseases:
Hepatitis A
Bacterial Diseases:
Salmonella Typhi
Shiga-toxin producing E. Coli
Shigella

It is extremely important to practice good hygiene by washing your hands reporting illnesses, showering and bathing daily, and wearing clean clothing. 

Proper hand-washing is very important

References:


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Sunday, March 26, 2017

Air Quality

http://www.sphere3env.com/images/Photos/AirQuality.jpg

Air Quality & Your Health 

The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It indicates how unhealthy or clean the air is, and  helps people understand what local air quality means to their health. The AQI is calculated for four major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: particle pollution, ground-level ozone, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The AQI is like a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. An AQI value of 100 generally corresponds to the national air quality standard for the pollutant, which is the level EPA has set to protect public health. In general, AQI values that are at or below 100 are thought of as satisfactory. AQI values above 100 are considered to be unhealthy, at first for certain sensitive groups of people, then for everyone as AQI values increase. The AQI is divided into six levels of health concern pictured below:

                                                                                     https://www3.epa.gov/airnow/aqi_brochure_02_14.pdf

Air Quality Conditions Meanings:

Good - Air quality is satisfactory and poses little or no health risk.

Moderate - Air quality is acceptable, but pollution in this range may pose a moderate health concern for a very small number of individuals, especially those who are unusually sensitive to ozone or particle pollution. These people may experience respiratory symptoms.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups - Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects, but the general public is not likely to be affected.

Ozone --> People with lung disease, older adults, children, and people who are active outdoors are considered sensitive and therefore at greater risk. 

Particle Pollution --> People with lung or heart disease, children, and older adults are considered sensitive and therefore at greater risk. 

Unhealthy - Everyone may begin to experience health effects and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

Very Unhealthy - This triggers a health alert which means that everyone may experience more serious health effects.

Hazardous - This triggers health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is even  more likely to be affected by serious health affects. 

AQI Forecasts

Cincinnati Air Quality Forecast

Air Quality Index

Today's High: 60 - moderate
Health message: Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. 

Tomorrow's High: 65 - moderate
Health message: Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. 

AQI Pollutant Details

Today
Ozone: 40 - good
Particles (PM2.5): 60 - moderate

Tomorrow
Ozone: 45 - good
Particles (PM2.5): 65 - moderate

Cleveland/Akron/Lorain Air Quality Forecast

Forecast is not available, but current conditions are:

Air quality Index
59 - moderate

AQI Pollutant Details
Ozone: 44 - good
Particles (PM2.5): 59 - moderate

Columbus Air Quality Forecast: 

Air Quality Index

Today's High: 50 - good
Health message: None

Tomorrow's High: 46 - good
Health message: None

AQI Pollutant Details

Today
Ozone: 39 - good
Particles (PM2.5): 50 - good

Tomorrow
Ozone: 44 - good
Particles (PM2.5):  46 - good 

Dayton Air Quality Forecast:

Air Quality Index

Today's High: 53 - moderate
Health message: Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. 

Tomorrow's High: 57 - moderate
Health message: Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. 

AQI Pollutant Details

Today
Ozone: 40 - good
Particles (PM2.5): 53 - moderate

Tomorrow
Ozone: 44 - good
Particles (PM2.5):  57 - moderate

Youngstown Air Quality Forecast: 

Air Quality Index

Today's High: 55 - moderate
Health message: Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. 

Tomorrow's High: 46 - good 
Health message: None. 

AQI Pollutant Details

Today
Ozone: N/A
Particles (PM2.5): 55 - moderate

Tomorrow
Ozone: N/A
Particles (PM2.5):  46 - good

 State Implementation Plan (SIP)

A State Implementation Plan is a collection of regulations and documents used by a territory, state, or local air district to reduce air pollution in areas that do not meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards, or NAAQS. 

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

The Clean Air Act, which was last amended in 1990, requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) (40 CFR part 50) for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment. There are two types of national ambient air quality standards that are identified by the Clean Air Act:

Primary Standards - These standards provide public health protection, including protecting the health of "sensitive" populations such as children, asthmatics, and the elderly

Secondary Standards - These standards provide public welfare protection, including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals, vegetation, buildings, and crops. 

The EPA has set NAAQS for six principal pollutants called "criteria" air pollutants. These pollutants include: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particle pollution, and sulfur dioxide. 

SIP - List of Current Standards 

Ozone (O3): 
2015 eight-hour ozone standard = 0.070 ppm

Particle Pollution (PM 2.5):

2012 annual standard = 12.0 ug/m3

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2):

2012 one hour primary standard = 75 ppb 

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2):
2012 one-hour primary standard = 100 ppb
annual standard = 53 ppb 

Lead (Pb):
2008 0.15 ug/m3


Air Pollution in China


Pollutants being emitted into the air
References: 

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Sunday, March 19, 2017

Potential Adverse Health Effects from Cell Phone Use

1) Distance cell phone from head

Cell phones are usually held near the head when being used, which causes a big concern as to whether or not they might cause or contribute to tumors in this area. The body tissues closest to the phone absorb more energy than tissues farther away.  It is possible that cell phones could cause the following: malignant brain tumors such as gliomas, non-cancerous tumors of the brain such as meningiomas, non-cancerous tumors of the nerve connecting the brain to the ear, and non-cancerous tumors of the salivary glands. 


2) Carrying cell phone on body

The human body absorbs energy from devices that emit radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation. The dose of the absorbed energy is estimated using a measure called the specific absorption rate (SAR) which is expressed in watts per kilogram of body weight. The upper limit of SAR allowed in the United Sates is 1.6 watts per kilogram of body weight. SAR values on phones can be misleading. The listed SAR value is based only on the phone operating at its highest power, not on what users would typically be exposed to with normal phone use. It's possible that a phone with a lower listed  SAR value might actually expose a person to more radiofrequency energy than one with a higher listed SAR value in some cases based on a number of factors. 

Many different factors can affect the amount of radiofrequency energy to which a person is exposed, including:

  • the model of phone being used - different phones give off different amounts of energy
  • the amount of cell phone traffic in the area at the time - higher traffic may require more energy to get a good signal
  • the distance and path to the nearest cell phone tower - cell phones adjust their power to use the minimum amount for a good signal, being farther away from the tower requires more energy to get a good signal, as does being inside a building 
  • whether or not the person is using the speaker mode on the phone or a hands-free device - using one of these allows the phone to be held away from the head
  • the amount of time the person is on the phone

3) Heating versus non-heating effects

Heating is the only consistently recognized biological effect of radiofrequency energy. Radiofrequency waves can heat up body tissues when they are at very high levels. This is the basis of how microwave ovens work. Radiofrequency exposure from cell phone use does cause some heating to the area of the body where a cell phone or other device is held. However, it is not sufficient to measurably increase body temperature. It is unclear exactly how cell phones are affecting our bodies and our brains, and more research is needed to look at possible long-term effects. For example, it has been suggested that radiofrequency energy might affect glucose metabolism, but two small studies that examined brain glucose metabolism after use of a cell phone showed inconsistent results. Exposure to ionizing radiation, such as from x-rays, is known to increase the risk of cancer. However, even though there have been many studies that examined the potential health effects of non-ionizing radiation from radar, microwave ovens, cell phones, and other sources, as of right now, there is no consistent evidence that non-ionizing radiation increases cancer risk. 

4) WiFi

WiFi uses radiofrequency to transmit data through the air. WiFi radiation is a type of EMF. Although WiFi radiation may not cause a thermal heating effect and is non-ionizing, it gives off low level wave radiation that could potentially have harmful effects on the body such as: DNA chain breaks, increased blood-brain barrier permeability, disruption to brain glucose metabolism,creation of stress proteins, and disruption of cell metabolism. Numerous studies have also linked WiFi radiation exposure with cancer.

To minimize your exposure to WiFi radiation:
  • turn off  your WiFi when you're not using the internet and especially when you go to sleep at night
  • avoid using WiFi while you're in a vehicle
  • choose to use a hardwired Ethernet connection in your home instead of wireless
  • situate wireless modems/routers, as far as possible from your bedroom and from rooms where you spend a lot of time
  • be mindful of WiFi radiation exposure from neighbors



https://cdn1.tekrevue.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/wi-fi-assist-iphone-960x540.jpg

5) EMF's

Cellphones emit a kind of energy called radiofrequency EMFs (electromagnetic fields). EMFS are types of radiation that are created by all electronic devices. Cell phones emit relatively weak EMFs, but because they are used frequently and kept close to the head and body, cell phone EMFs can affect nearby cells and tissues.

To lower your exposure to EMFs from cellphones, you could increase the distance between you and your phone. This could be done by:

  • sending text messages
  • using the speaker phone
  • use a headset and carry your phone away from your body
  • keep your phone away from your body
  • limit your cell phone use when reception is weak
  • reduce the amount of time spent talking on a cell phone
    • keep cell phone calls short
    • use speaker phone mode or a corded phone for longer conversations
    • take off your headset when you're not on a call
  • do not rely on devices  that claim to shield or neutralize EMFs from cell phones because these devices have not been shown to reduce exposures

References:
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Monday, March 13, 2017

Glyphosate

About Glyphosate:

Glyphosate is an herbicide that is applied to the leaves of plants to kill both broadleaf plants and grasses. The sodium salt form of glyphosate is used to ripen fruit and regulate plant growth. Glyphosate's chemical name is N-(Phosphonomethyl)glycine and its main effect is to block an enzyme that plants need to make amino acids and proteins. When the enzyme is blocked, plants dies within a few days. It is never used on its own as an herbicide, it is always combined with other chemical ingredients. Glyphosate is the active chemical ingredient in Roundup herbicide as well as many other name brand glyphosate-based weedkillers. Roundup is the brand-name of an herbicide produced by Monsanto. Roundup is is commonly used by both people in their backyards and farmers in their fields.


http://www.hoajonline.com/journals/A-Z/J/toxicology/content/figure/volume/2/1/fig1.jpg

1) What was it patented for in 1964?

In 1964, glyphosate was patented by Stauffer Chemical as a metal chelator used to clean or descale commercial boilers and pipes. Glyphosate has the ability to bind to and remove minerals such as calcium, manganese, copper, zinc, and magnesium which are vital to our health.

2) How much is used in the US/World?

Glyphosate has become the most heavily-used agricultural chemical in the world. A study published in 2016 in the journal of Environmental Sciences Europe shows that Americans have applied 1.8 million tons of glyphosate since its introduction in 1974, and worldwide, 9.4 million tons of the chemical have been sprayed onto fields.

3) How is it used in the US?

In the U.S., glyphosate is used in agriculture and forestry, on gardens and lawns, and for weeds in industrial areas.

http://media.mercola.com/ImageServer/Public/2014/April/glyphosate-effects.jpg

4) Is there any health/environmental harm from it's use..endocrine disrupters?

Glyphosate is an endocrine disrupter. This means that it interferes with the proper functioning and production of hormones, in human cell lines. It's not completely clear how much of an impact glyphosate has had on cancer rates, but studies where high doses were administered to laboratory animals suggest that glyphosate has carcinogenic potential.

Glyphosate-containing herbicides may contaminate soils in and around treated areas. Once it is in the soil, the relationship between glyphosate and soil ecosystems is complex, and varies from soil to soil. In some cases, glyphosate can form complexes with metal ions, potentially affecting the availability of nutrients in the soil. In other cases, glyphosate may be used as a source of energy and nutrients by some soil micro-organisms, increasing their numbers. But, at the same time, it could be toxic to other species, reducing their populations. The presence of glyphosate in the soil could change the balance of bacteria and fungi in soil, in turn altering soil ecosystem functions and plant health.

Pure glyphosate is low in toxicity to fish and wildlife, but some products containing glyphosate may be toxic because of the other ingredients in them. It could affect fish and wildlife indirectly because killing the plants alters the animals' habitat.

5) What are Roundup Ready crops?

Roundup Ready crops are crops that are genetically modified to be resistant to the herbicide Roundup. Because these plants are resistant to Roundup, farmers that plant these seeds are able to use Roundup to keep other unwanted weeds from growing in their fields.

http://s.newsweek.com/sites/www.newsweek.com/files/2016/02/02/roundup-glyphosate.jpg


 References:
http://gmofreeusa.org/research/glyphosate/glyphosate-overview/
http://web.mit.edu/demoscience/Monsanto/about.html
http://www.newsweek.com/glyphosate-now-most-used-agricultural-chemical-ever-422419
https://www.foeeurope.org/sites/default/files/press_releases/foee_5_environmental_impacts_glyphosate.pdf
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/glyphogen.html

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Sunday, February 26, 2017

Water Quality

1) What are Coliform bacteria how do you prevent it, and what is the standard?

http://www.cleanwaterstore.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/shutterstock_97335176.jpg

Coliform bacteria are a collection of relatively harmless  microorganisms that aid in the digestion of food and live in large numbers in plants, soils, and the intestines of warm-blooded (humans) and cold-blooded animals. 

Standard: 0 Total Coliform Bacteria

To Prevent Coliform Bacteria:
-homeowners who use cisterns, ponds, or springs as drinking water source should use treatment devices to disinfects and filter the water to remove coliform bacteria
-home water filters and other water treatment devices should be changed and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations
-chlorination, ultraviolet light, boiling, ozonation, and iodination are some disinfection methods to eliminate coliform bacteria from water supply  

2) What is Turbidity and what is the standard?

Turbidity is a measure of how cloudy water is. It can come from sources that are fairly benign such as suspended sediment in the water, or it can come from high levels of disease-causing organisms. Turbidity is generated as water moves through soil and into the ground water supply. 

The drinking water standard for turbidity is 1 NTU (nephelolometric turbidity unit). Public water supplies must not exceed 0.3 NTU in 95% of daily water samples that are taken every month. 


3) What is Radon and what is the standard?

Radon is an extremely toxic and colorless gaseous radioactive element that is formed by radioactive decay of radium atoms. It used in cancer treatment, as a tracer in leak detection, and in radiography. It can also be a cause of lung cancer. Radon is a naturally occurring element that can be found in outdoor air, indoor air, soil, and ground water.

The US EPA has set an action level of 4 pCi/L. Between 2-4 pCi/L or above this level of radon, the EPA recommends you take corrective measures to reduce your exposure to radon gas The World Health Organization recommends that countries set reference levels at 2.7 pCi/L, if possible, or as-low-as-reasonably-achievable, or ALARA, but should not exceed 8.1 pCi/L 

4) What is Cryptosporidium and what is the standard?

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes a diarrheal disease called Cryptosporidiosis.  Cryptosporidium can live in the intestine of animals and humans and is passed in the stool of an infected animal or person. 

 The Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, promulgated on Dec. 16, 1998 
(which applies to water utilities using surface water, or groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, and serving more than 10,000 people) set a maximum contaminant level goal of zero for Cryptosporidium. For systems that filter water during the treatment process, the rule requires a minimum 2-log Cryptosporidium removal efficiency. The Long Term I Enhanced Surface Water Treatment and Filter Backwash Rule proposed April 10, 2000 set a rule that all water systems that recycle water, regardless of population served must also control Cryptosporidium levels.

 Filters  designed to remove Crypto (any of the four messages below on a package label indicate that the filter should be able to remove Crypto):

 -reverse osmosis (with or without NSF 53 of NSF 58 labeling)
-absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller (with or without NSF 53 or NSF 58 labeling)
-tested and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for cyst removal
-tested and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or NSF/ANSI Standard 58 for cyst reduction

 5) What is Giardia and what is the standard?

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that causes a diarrheal illness called Giardiasis. The parasite live sin the intestine and is passed in feces. It has become recognized as a common cause of waterborne disease in humans in the United States during the past years. It can be found worldwide and within every region of the United States. 

 The SWTR requires disinfection and filtration of all surface water supplies and groundwater directly impacted by surface water. Requirements are set for a specified minimum removal or inactivation of 3 log10 (99.9%) for Giardia and 4log10 (99.95%) for viruses through filtration and/or disinfection.

6) What are Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Cyanotoxins and what are the standards?

http://health.utah.gov/enviroepi/appletree/HAB/HAB_7.jpg

Harmful algal blooms are are caused by cyanobacteria that are bacteria that are naturally found in Ohio ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. Some species of cyanobacteria can cause Harmful Algal Blooms. The toxins produced by Harmful Algal Blooms are known as cyanotoxins. Some of them are neurotoxins, and some of them are hepatotoxins. These cyanotoxins can impact the health of people who come into contact with water where Harmful Algal Blooms are largely present. 

Under the SDWA, EPA may publish Health Advisories for contaminants that are not subject to any national primary drinking water regulation. These Health Advisories are not regulations and should not be construed as legally enforceable federal standards. The advisories may change as new information becomes available. 

Do Not Drink Advisory for:

  • bottle-fed infants and children younger than school age
  • pregnant women
  • nursing mothers
  • individuals with pre-existing liver conditions
  • individuals receiving dialysis treatment
As a precautionary measure, the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems may want to consider using an alternate water source as well

Microcystin: 0.3 ug/L
Anatoxin-a: 20 ug/L
Cylindrospermopsin: 0.7 ug/L
Saxitoxin: 0.2 ug/L

Do Not Drink Advisory for:
  • All people of all ages
  • Pets
  • Livestock
Microcystin: 1.6 ug/L
Anatoxin-a: 20 ug/L
Cylindrospermopsin: 3 ug/L
Saxitoxin: 0.2 ug/L


 References:

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Sunday, February 19, 2017

Lead Poisoning

About Lead Poisoning:

Lead is a highly toxic metal. Exposure to lead can result in a variety of health problems, especially in young children. When lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, like the nerves, blood, and kidneys. Children under 6 years old are most at risk for lead poisoning, and preventing lead poisoning is especially important for young children whose bodies and brains are still growing and developing, making them more sensitive to the harmful effects of lead. 

A blood lead test is the best way to measure lead exposure. The amount of lead in blood is referred to as blood lead level (BLL). Blood lead levels are measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (ug/dL). Today there are at least four million households with children living in them that are being exposed to high levels of lead. Approximately half a million children from the U.S. ages 1-5 have blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter, which is the reference level at which CDC recommends public health actions be taken.

Below is a diagram of how lead affects children's health. As you can see, lead poisoning can cause some serious health effects. It is very important to test children for lead poisoning and take preventative measures!



1) How many Ohio children tested per year in 2014?

In 2014, there were 153,010 Ohio children less than six years of age tested for lead poisoning. This number is consistent with the number of children who were tested in 2013 which was 155,577. 


http://43jhog100e7d1nnhyygue8t1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/WEB_IMG_8281-771x514.jpg

2) Ohio Prevalence rate > 5 ug/dL > 10 ug/dL?

There were a total of 4,596 children with confirmed blood lead levels of 5 ug/dL or greater and 1,298 children with confirmed blood lead levels of 10 ug/dL or greater. 

3) Percent of Ohio population tested?

3% of the total tested population had confirmed blood lead levels of 5 ug/dL or greater
0.85% of the total tested population had confirmed blood lead levels of 10 ug/dL or greater

4) Percent of Lucas County children with greater than five micrograms per deciliter?

The predicted probability of blood lead levels of 5 ug/dL or greater is 38.77% for children in the Toledo-Lucas County area. 

5) Sources of lead in the environment?

  • water with elevated lead levels
  • toys containing lead such as lead-based paint
  • soil contaminated with lead
  • occupations that involve exposure to lead
  • lead dust
  • hobbies that include using lead-based materials
  • foods containing lead
  • cosmetics containing lead
  • other sources

6) Ways we can prevent or things we can do to prevent childhood lead poisoning?

  • address water damage quickly and completely
  • keep your home clean and dust-free
  • inspect and maintain all painted surfaces to prevent paint deterioration
  • clean around painted areas where friction can generate dust, such as doors, windows, and drawers. Wipe these areas with a wet sponge or rage to remove paint chips or dust
  • clean debris out of outlet screens or faucet aerators on a regular basis
  • flush water outlets used for drinking or food preparation
  • wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers and toys often 
  • ensure that your family members eat well-balanced meals,. Children with healthy diets absorb less lead
  • teach children to wipe and remove their shoes and wash hands after playing outdoors
https://www.stlawco.org/data/images/departments/PublicHealth/4lead.jpg

References: 



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Sunday, February 12, 2017

Zika Virus

What is Zika?

Zika virus is a flavivirus that is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitos. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys through a network that monitored yellow fever, and later discovered in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. 

Where is Zika found in the world?

 Outbreaks of Zika virus have been reported from several different areas around the world including Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific. Below is a map that shows countries and territories with active Zika virus transmission and reported cases. 


http://traveller24.news24.com/News/map-the-spread-of-the-zika-virus-20160208

How do you get Zika?

Zika virus can be transmitted through:
  • mosquito bites (of an infected Aedes species mosquito)
  • from infected mother to child
  • sex
  • blood transfusion
  • laboratory and healthcare setting exposure

http://impakter.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/screen-shot-2016-03-21-at-5.53.23-p.m.png

How do you know if you have Zika?

Many people infected with Zika virus won't have any symptoms or might only have mild symptoms. A blood or urine test can confirm Zika infection diagnosis, but there is no specific medicine to treat Zika. The most common symptoms of Zika are:
  • rash
  • fever
  • conjunctivitis (red eyes)
  • joint pain 
Other symptoms include: 
  • headache
  • muscle pain
Zika is typically mild and symptoms usually last for several days to a week. Usually, people who have Zika do not get sick enough to go to the hospital and it is also very rare for people to die of Zika. Since the symptoms of the virus are mild, some people might not even realize they have been infected.  

If women get Zika during or before pregnancy, will their developing babies be affected?

If a woman gets Zika and recovers from the infection, they are believed to be immune to it, so no harm can come to the baby if the woman becomes pregnant later on. But, to be sure that no virus is in the blood even after a silent infection, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends waiting eight weeks (which is triple the amount of time the virus has been known to persist) before trying to conceive. If a woman is infected with Zika during her pregnancy, it is likely that the developing baby will be born with birth defects, or may possibly even die in the womb. 

Microcephaly is a common birth defect associated with Zika that is shown in the picture above. 

Are there preventions for Zika?

Yes. Protection against mosquito bites is key to preventing Zika virus infection. People can help protect themselves against mosquito bites by wearing light-colored clothes that cover as much of the body as possible. One could also use insect repellent containing DEET and use physical barriers such as window screens, closing doors and windows, and sleeping under mosquito nets to prevent getting bitten. In addition to this, people can prevent getting Zika virus through sexual transmission by practicing safe sex (including correct and consistent use of condoms) or abstaining from sexual activity. It is also important for people to check for any travel notices and learn about which areas are affected by Zika before traveling so that plans can be made accordingly and the proper preventative measures for both before, during, and after the trip can be taken. 

Are there treatments for Zika?

There are no current treatments for Zika, but there are treatments for the symptoms. In order to treat the symptoms, one should get plenty of rest, drink fluids to prevent dehydration, and take medicine such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain. 

References:





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