Zika virus set to spread across South America

I'm always intrigued about the different diseases across the world and how they spread. I have researched a lot into SARS, MERS, ebola and avian flu and how they spread and have potentially deadly effects on large numbers in both the developed and developing worlds. However, the latest Zika virus is particularly interesting to me.

The Zika virus has the potential to infect up to 4 million people by the end of the year and this is a moderate estimate, so the reality could be far worse. Brazil has released a state of emergency as large numbers have been tested positive for the virus, with Recife in the north of the country reporting to have 100,000 people infected.

My intrigue for this virus is due to the fact that death is unusual for those suffering, with many just reporting headaches, rashes and joint pain. The main issue associated with this virus is the impact it has on unborn children as many babies in the womb have developed microcephaly as a result of their mothers being carriers. Microcephaly is when babies are born with unusually small heads and this results in many cases of intellectual delay and in some cases death as the small brains are incapable of supporting many functions.

Political concerns are now also heightened as officials worry about the impact this virus could have upon the Olympics, so the economic fall-out from this could also be significant. Watch this space.....