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• 1 2019-07-22T12:02:35-07:00 Zika 30 plain 2019-07-24T03:42:14-07:00 In 2015 there were eight collected  samples positive for Zika in the Northeastern part of Brazil . The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences had close relation to Asian lineages of viruses and is assumed to have entered Brazil in 2014 during the World Championship Sprint canoe race.  Haiti experienced an outbreak in December of 2014 however nothing was reported or tested until 2016 when the outbreak was again on the rise in numerous other countries. 

  Zika cocirrculates with other viruses such as Chikigunya, WNV and Dengue in Latin America. Trying to understand the cycle such as the hypothesized cyclical cycle of Dengue every 2 years, is important and useful in creating systems that are able to predict the outbreak possibilities and in turn give municipalities the ability to apply preventative and protective measures against epidemics. Clinical diagnose causes a barrier due to the similarity of other viruses often found within the same area. Often time Zika will cross react on diagnostic tests, essentially making them unreadable. 

  The mosquitoes responsible for transmission were a large part of the reason for the Zika outbreak along with the populations lack of immunity to the virus. Vector control for Zika has the same problems as the vector control issues seen in Malaria outbreaks.  Information regarding Zika outbreaks in Colombia is reported to national public health surveillance systems that then publish weekly epidemiological reports. Information communication between countries and national level systems is approximately 1.5 weeks. It was this INS system that is  responsible for finding the connection between Zika and the reports of microcephaly in newborns. As of 2017 there have been 3400 cases of congenital syndrome reported to PAHO. Governmental powers have encourage women to “not get pregnant” in areas with high risk, however areas labeled as endemic often do not have access to contraception or have abortion rights . Ultimately the child becomes the responsibility of the parents however no guidelines or future plan for Zika mentions resolutions for parents caring for a child suffering from birth defects of Zika. This issue is also applicable to children who may not present any complication until a year or two after birth. 
  

  Along with birth defects there have been an increase of Guillain Barre syndrome a neurological disorder during the Zika outbreak. This incidence was also evident in Brazil, El Salvador, Suriname, and Venezuela. With increased disability, travel costs and medical support become problems for those affected. Again, Zika programs do not offer any supportive measures or course of action.

  By understanding the economic, social, and emotional impacts of Zika on families, it is possible to see the flaws in the current plan of action. Currently new tests should be designed to eliminate the possible confusion during diagnosis, more community level approaches should be tested, along with providing support to manage life with a child or family member suffering from the effects of Zika Virus.