ABSTRACT
The Zika Virus (ZIKV) has been slowly becoming an epidemic in different parts of the world. Since its discovery in 1947, there have been numerous outbreaks affecting many different populations. Currently, there is an ongoing threat of ZIKV in Latin America and the United States of America. ZIKV is mainly spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and causes non-specific symptoms such as fever, myalgia, and generalized weakness. In addition to these symptoms, it has been noted the ZIKV is capable of causing associated conditions in adults, particularly in pregnant women as well as in newborns via vertical transmission. These manifestations include microcephaly, lissencephaly, ventriculomegaly, optic neuropathy, and congenital glaucoma, arthralgia, maculopapular rash, and cardiovascular anomalies such as atrial fibrillation. It is important to understand the reason for this specific set of associated conditions that emerge with ZIKV. This paper aims to identify the manifestations of ZIKV in adults and neonates in detail and attempts to understand the pathophysiology behind each one.
ABSTRACT
There have been recent trends of parents in Western countries refusing to vaccinate their children due to numerous reasons and perceived fears. While opposition to vaccines is as old as the vaccines themselves, there has been a recent surge in the opposition to vaccines in general, specifically against the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, most notably since the rise in prominence of the notorious British ex-physician, Andrew Wakefield, and his works. This has caused multiple measles outbreaks in Western countries where the measles virus was previously considered eliminated. This paper evaluates and reviews the origins of the anti-vaccination movement, the reasons behind the recent strengthening of the movement, role of the internet in the spread of anti-vaccination ideas, and the repercussions in terms of public health and safety.
