Death By Zika Virus

So, you think the Zika virus can’t kill you? Well, think again. This clever disease has a way of sneaking up on our immune system and taking us out without us even suspecting whom the culprit is. The mild flu-like symptoms that people experience are just the tip of the iceberg. This virus is a silent killer, and experts are only just realizing how deadly it can actually be.

We’ve known for some time that the Zika virus is a serious danger to pregnant women and their unborn babies, as the disease can cause the birth defect microcephaly. Babies are born with underdeveloped brains, which leads to a lifetime of suffering at best and death as an infant or at a young age at worst. But, babies aren’t the only ones in danger here.

As scientists study this disease further and more and more cases appear, it is becoming clear that the Zika virus can cause adults some very serious health problems as well. The Zika virus has now been linked with causing Guilllain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune reaction that attacks a person’s nervous system and can cause severe paralysis. The Zika virus can also other dangerous nerve conditions such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, where the brain and spinal cord become inflamed, which damages the protective covering on our nerve cells.

There has even been a fatality of one man that contracted the virus. A man in Puerto Rico experienced a rare complication from the virus called immune thrombocytopenic purpura. This is when the immune cells that were initially attacking the virus turn traitor and begin destroying the body’s blood platelets. This can lead to extensive bleeding and shock. This on top of other health conditions brought about the Puerto Rican man’s death.

I think it’s clear that we still have much to learn about this dangerous virus. So, be smart and where that insect repellent. It could very well save your life.

What other possible health problems do you think we could discover the Zika virus causes?