By Anthony Mangeri, MPA, CEM, EMT, Faculty Member, Emergency and Disaster Management Program at American Military University
Public health agencies are being asked once again to respond to an emerging highly infectious disease, this time the Zika virus. This disease, and the public health response needed, is much different than the 2014 Ebola outbreak. When Ebola was first reported in the United States, public health agencies responded decisively to limit its spread. Because Ebola is highly contagious, public health systems quarantined individuals who were thought to have been exposed to the virus.
The Zika virus is mostly spread through mosquito bites from an infected Aedes mosquito. However, new reports indicate the disease may also be spread through sexual contact and bodily fluids. Therefore, this virus presents a significant health concern and is spurring a substantial public health response.
Where are Zika Outbreaks?
The Zika virus is a relatively new public health threat in the news, but the virus has been around for several years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were reports of Zika outbreaks before 2015 in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. However, the virus came into the public spotlight in May 2015 when the Pan American Health Organization issued alerts after Zika was found in Brazil.
Full story: Public health emergency officials are preparing for Zika virus
