The Path of a Pathogen
The Past, Present, and Future of Zika
Author(s)
Abstract
Scientists and healthcare professionals initially exhibited little concern over the Zika virus even after evidence of human infection was first identified in 1952; Zika appeared to be both rare and unassociated with morbidity or mortality. Around 2015 all of this changed as journalists, scientists, public health officials, and laypeople scrambled to learn about its varied modes of transmission and devastating consequences (e.g., birth defects and autoimmune disorders). Although research continues to rapidly evolve, this case study directs students to reliable scientific sources (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization) that will likely continue to provide the most current information in order to explore questions such as: Where did the virus come from? How does it spread? What can we do to prevent it? Students will also consider the public health challenges and possible solutions associated with emerging infectious diseases. The case was originally written for an upper-level biology or public health course in which students already have some basic background knowledge regarding viruses, vaccines, and infectious disease.
Objectives
- Describe the epidemiology of the Zika virus.
- Identify factors (social, technological, ecological, etc.) that facilitate the spread of mosquito-borne infections.
- Describe genetic changes that viruses undergo and analyze how those changes affect viral evolution/adaptation within a host.
- Contrast the diverse transmission patterns and prevention strategies for Zika.
- Describe signs, symptoms, and treatment strategies for typical Zika infections as well as serious complications.
- Analyze the various public health strategies used for the Zika pandemic using data from reliable scientific literature.
- Evaluate different interventions to reduce the impact and spread of Zika infection, depending on resources and healthcare infrastructure of a region.
Keywords
Zika virus; public health; mosquito; vector-borne; microcephaly; Guillain-Barré; vaccine; transmissionTopical Areas
Policy issues, Science and the mediaEducational Level
Undergraduate upper division, GraduateFormat
PDFType / Methods
Analysis (Issues), Directed, InterruptedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Biology (General) | Epidemiology | Medicine (General) | Public Health |
Date Posted
3/16/2018Teaching Notes
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Supplemental Materials
The podcasts below provide additional information still relevant to this rapidly changing field as of March, 2018, when this case study was originally published.
Americas Brace for Zika Spread
Zika Virus Transmission Still Mysterious
Where Do We Stand in the Fight Against Zika?
Answer Key
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