If you are a public health student or you’re thinking about enrolling into a College of Public Heath, then the recent Zika virus outbreaks are among the many things you will learn about first-hand. Although the Zika virus itself is not new – it was first discovered in 1947 – the recent cases suggest that we might be dealing with a widespread infection if the virus is not handled properly. The Zika virus gets transmitted primarily through mosquito bites, although reports from the University of Arizona’s Public Health department stated that the virus can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
Those who have traveled to regions with high Zika virus infection cases are advised to get their blood tested. It is also recommended to avoid having sex with a pregnant partner in this case; using condoms can help prevent virus transmission as well.
You can find out more about the Zika virus and other important facts by reading the Targeting Zika: The Threat and Fight Against the Virus infographic issued by the University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
