TOPIC: ZIKA

VIRUS

Intro
The Zika Virus is a mosquito-transmitted disease similar to
dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile Virus. The virus was
originally discovered in a Ugandan forest in 1947 and was
common in the continents of Africa and Asia. In recent
months a major outbreak of virus has happened in Brazil.

How its spread?

The virus is transmitted through infected mosquitos and sexual
transmission has only been identified in three cases. Zika generally
does not have any prominent symptoms, though one in five people
have reported that Zika causes fever, rash, joint pains, and red eyes.2
Currently there is no way to immediately determine is someone has
been infected simply because the virus has the capability to cross
react with antibodies that are required to test for viruses. In order to
detect Zika, during the first week of infection a blood or tissue sample
must be obtained, sent to a laboratory where detection is conducted
through molecular testing

Who is in danger?
Everyone is prone to contracting the Zika virus. Pregnant women are
most at risk because the virus is transmitted to the fetus. The virus is
connected to the birth defect of the brain called microcephaly in
babies of mothers who were infected with the Zika virus during
pregnancy. Microcephaly causes shrunken heads and damaged brains
in babies and was connected when doctors in Brazil noticed an
overwhelming increase of this condition. On average only 150 cases
of microcephaly are reported annually however since the arrival of
Zika that number has risen to 4,000 cases.

Any cures?
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported
confirmed cases of Zika in Brazil and has issued statements stating
that Zika will continue to spread. The spread of Zika is difficult to trace
as 80 percent of Zika cases go unreported especially in people who
are not pregnant and usually pass the reported symptoms through
rest.
As of now there is no treatment or vaccines against the Zika virus and
creating a vaccine costs millions of dollars as well as years of time.
The only method against the virus right now is prevention through
protective repellent and attire

Delegate questions to answer

How do we minimize the effects of this outbreak in the most efficient
manner?
Are there any committees we can form to combat this issue more
specifically in the respective countries experiencing such
outbreaks?
Any aid we can give to the affected countries in combating it?
How can we lead a way to finding a cure, if at all possible?
Are there any implications on other neighboring countries which
we may have to address?