Troubling news stories about Zika are everywhere, but what do you need to know about the virus as we head into summer? Here's a look at five recent articles about the facts and science of the disease.
You can read these articles using CPL's Online Resources, but I've also noted if an article is available freely on the web.
"What You Need to Know About Zika + How to Beat the Virus—and the Mosquitoes That Carry It" by Alexandra Sifferlin
Time, May 16, 2016
Time magazine's recent cover story uses a Q&A format to address concerns about Zika, including who's most at risk, the impact of the virus on pregnancy and what the government is doing. The accompanying article "So Should We Just Kill Them All?" explores environmental and bioethical questions raised by research into preventing the spread of mosquito-borne disease.
"Insect Repellents in the Age of Zika" by Jeneen Interlandi
Consumer Reports, July 2016 (a similar article is available on the Consumer Reports website)
Are you wondering which insect repellent to choose? Consumer Reports tested 16 repellents with a range of active ingredients and recommends those that work best against the mosquitoes that spread Zika as well as those that spread West Nile and the ticks that carry Lyme.
"With Brazil in Turmoil, Rio Counts Down to Olympics" by Rebecca R. Ruiz
The New York Times, April 27, 2016 (also available on The New York Times website)
In the run-up to the 2016 Summer Olympics—the first in South America—troubles in Brazil overshadow the usual anticipation of the Games. In addition to Zika, the country struggles to clean up contaminated water and to deal with a recession and a political corruption scandal.
"A Race to Unravel the Secrets of the Zika Virus" by Pam Belluck
The New York Times, May 9, 2016 (also available on The New York Times website)
Researchers around the country collaborate to study how Zika affects fetal brain development. Their work could lead to vaccines and other breakthroughs.
"Ugandan Forest Holds Clues to Zika's Spread" by Nicholas Bariyo and Betsy McKay
The Wall Street Journal, March 21, 2016
The World Health Organization and African countries are increasing their monitoring for the virus near the Zika forest, where it was first seen in the 1940s. Researchers believe the complications from the virus making headlines in the Americas may not be new, but may have gone undetected in Africa.
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