The World Health Organization designated the Zika virus as “a public health emergency of international concern” in early February. In some cases this virus causes birth defects in babies of infected mothers. The virus is native to Central and South America. There are currently no reported cases of the virus originating in the U.S. All of the 82 cases in the U.S. were brought here through travel.

Similar to Ebola, the Zika virus became an epidemic when infected carriers travelled from their native area. Since then the virus has spread rapidly.

At Washington University, Senior Scientist Jennifer Govero has been researching the virus extensively.

“We are trying to find an animal model to portray the effects of Zika in order to find a cure,” said Govero. Washington University has one of the largest research laboratories in the country studying the virus.

Zika is normally spread through mosquitos that first bite an infected person then bites a person who is not infected. There are also cases where Zika was spread through intercourse. The virus generally stays in the blood for about a week.

Areas with Zika are near the equator, in tropical climates. In these climates mosquitoes live year round making them a larger threat than in a more temperate climate. Outbreaks have occurred throughout Central America and also in the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and America Samoa. Since the mosquitoes that transmit the disease live in these areas with optimal climate, the disease will continue to spread.

In the United States, 82 cases of Zika virus have been reported. In each of the cases the infected person(s) traveled to an area where Zika is known to originate. Of the 82 cases 14 were caused by intercourse and spread to the woman by a man who had been to an area where the virus is prevalent.

Zika is especially dangerous for pregnant women. According to the Center for Disease Control, Zika virus causes Microcephaly in the children of infected mothers.Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is abnormally small suggesting a smaller brain. Microcephaly can lead to seizures, developmental delays, and a difficult time with normal motor skills like swallowing and speaking.

Junior Melisa Alagic would not be willing to take the risk.

“Not at all, not ever,” said Alagic, “I wouldn’t risk having a child if I knew their life wouldn’t be used to it’s full advantage.” Abnormal motor skills will greatly inhibit the abilities of a child to be a productive member of society and may cause a lot of stress and trouble for parents.

Statistically, microcephaly occurs in up 12 babies per 10,000 live births. It is still unknown how many babies with microcephaly also have had Zika virus.

A RT-PCR test is used to determine if Zika is present in a patient. However, this test is not accurate past the viremia stage, the first few days when the virus is mixing with the blood, of the virus. Other tests will neutralize antibodies, the body’s tool for fighting disease, in order to easily locate the virus have been used but. However, these tests can give mixed results due to the similarities between Zika and Yellow Fever or other flaviviruses. These tests are performed on maternal serum or plasma (part of blood).

Compared to last year’s Ebola outbreak in West Africa, Zika is not as dangerous to humans as this disease has not yet caused deaths. However, it is still important to be weary of the virus and its risks, especially over Spring Break and when traveling to Central and South America.