Podcast Summary
Discovering Zika - From Monkeys to Millions: The Capital One Venture X Card offers 2X miles on every purchase and premium travel benefits, while Kroger brand products offer affordability and customer satisfaction. Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, was first discovered in a monkey in 1947, but its recent outbreak began in 2015 and has infected over a million people worldwide.
The Capital One Venture X Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and comes with premium travel benefits, including airport lounge access and a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One travel. Meanwhile, Kroger brand products provide proven quality at affordable prices, with a money-back guarantee for customer satisfaction. Moving on to Zika, this relatively new virus was first discovered in a Rhesus monkey in Uganda in 1947 and wasn't found in humans until 1952. The current outbreak, which began in 2015, has infected over a million people worldwide and spread to 67 countries. Prior to 2007, Zika was not a significant problem and was mostly limited to tropical Africa. The first large outbreak occurred in Micronesia in 2007, with 49 cases, and the virus then spread to French Polynesia in 2014, causing 19,000 suspected cases. Despite some theories linking Zika to climate change and the emergence of other mosquito-borne diseases, much is still unknown about this virus, and it's important to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Zika virus and microcephaly in newborns: The Zika virus outbreak, linked to birth defects, requires global attention and funding for research and prevention efforts to avoid severe consequences.
The current Zika virus outbreak, particularly in Brazil, is a cause for concern due to the potential link between the virus and microcephaly in newborns. Despite the mild symptoms for most people infected, the possibility of severe birth defects warrants global attention and funding for research and prevention efforts. The rapid spread of Zika in countries like Singapore highlights the potential for the virus to become a larger issue if not addressed promptly. The history of other health scares, such as Ebola and mad cow disease, leading to a sense of apathy and lack of funding for research may hinder progress in developing a Zika vaccine. However, the potential consequences of inaction could be severe and leave us regretting missed opportunities for prevention. It's crucial for the media to strike a balance between informing the public and avoiding unnecessary fear, while public health officials remain vigilant in their efforts to combat the virus.
Zika virus can cause birth defects and neurological disorders: Zika virus can cause mild symptoms in adults but severe brain damage and developmental delays in babies, as well as neurological disorders like Guillain-Barre Syndrome in some cases.
Zika virus can cause muscle pain, headaches, and in some cases, a birth defect called microcephaly, where a baby is born with an underdeveloped brain and a small head. The virus is believed to attack stem cells and structural proteins in the developing brain, leading to severe brain damage, developmental delays, seizures, and other disabilities. The virus can also cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to paralysis or being bedridden. While most people with Zika don't show symptoms, the potential harm to unborn babies and the mysterious nature of Guillain-Barre Syndrome can be concerning. The symptoms of Zika are usually mild and last only a few days to a week, but the long-term effects on babies and some adults can be devastating and irreversible.
Zika virus: A significant risk to pregnancies: Zika virus can cause microcephaly, a condition that increases the risk of underdeveloped brains in newborns. Avoid mosquito bites to reduce risk of contracting it.
Zika virus poses a significant risk to pregnancies, and the safest course of action is to avoid contracting it altogether. The virus can cause microcephaly, a condition that results in abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains in newborns. The risk of microcephaly is estimated to be between 1 and 13 percent for pregnant women who contract Zika, which is a substantial increase from the usual rate of 2 to 12 cases per 10,000 births in the US. Mosquitoes, particularly the yellow fever mosquito, are the primary carriers of Zika. While it's unclear if it's possible to eradicate mosquitoes entirely without causing negative consequences, researchers are exploring ways to control their populations to reduce the risk of Zika transmission. The best way to protect against Zika is to avoid mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and staying indoors during peak mosquito hours. The ongoing nature of the Zika outbreak and the potential severity of the condition it can cause make it a public health emergency.
Exploring alternative methods to eliminate mosquitoes: Exploring methods like Wolbachia bacteria to prevent mosquito-borne diseases while minimizing ecosystem disruptions is crucial.
While mosquitoes are a nuisance and can spread diseases like Zika, getting rid of them entirely could have unforeseen consequences. The World Health Organization is exploring methods such as releasing transgenic mosquitoes with a genetic mutation that prevents their offspring from surviving, but this raises concerns about human hubris and potential ripple effects. An alternative approach is treating mosquitoes with a bacteria called Wolbachia, which prevents the Zika virus from living in their gut, allowing the mosquitoes to remain in the ecosystem while reducing the spread of the disease. However, it's important to consider potential consequences, such as impact on other species and food sources, before taking drastic measures. Ultimately, finding a balance between reducing the impact of mosquitoes on public health and minimizing disruptions to ecosystems is crucial.
Zika Virus Transmission: Mosquito Bites and Sexual Contact: The Zika virus can be spread through mosquito bites and sexual contact. Currently, there is no cure, but research is ongoing for a vaccine.
The Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, but it can also be transmitted sexually. The virus enters the mosquito's body when it feeds on an infected person's blood, and then it travels to the mosquito's salivary glands. When the mosquito bites another person, the saliva containing the virus is injected into the skin, allowing the virus to enter the new host's bloodstream. Research suggests that the virus can also be transmitted sexually, and it has been found in semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. Although efforts are being made to eradicate mosquitoes and develop a vaccine, there is currently no cure for Zika. A researcher named Brian Foy argued for the need to study the sexual transmission of Zika five years ago, but funding was denied due to the disease being considered obscure at the time. The race is on for a vaccine, with companies in India and elsewhere leading the charge.
Developing a vaccine for Zika using plasmid DNA: Researchers use plasmid DNA to create harmless virus-like particles that trigger an immune response against Zika, but funding for research may be limited as public interest wanes.
Researchers are developing vaccines for Zika virus using a small circular piece of DNA called a plasmid. This plasmid contains genes that code for the virus proteins, which then self-assemble into virus-like particles, triggering an immune response. This artificial version of the virus cannot transmit the disease to others but effectively prepares the body to fight the actual virus. However, there are concerns about funding for Zika research as the outbreak may soon exit the news cycle and public interest may wane. Last year, the CDC requested $1.9 billion in emergency funds from Congress to combat Zika, but the request was denied due to political disagreements. The CDC ultimately had to reallocate funds from other projects to address the Zika crisis.
Zika Virus Concerns in Puerto Rico and Funding Challenges: The Zika virus is spreading rapidly in Puerto Rico, causing birth defects and prompting a travel warning from the CDC. Funding challenges hinder effective mosquito control measures and adequate disease response and prevention.
The Zika virus is causing significant concerns in the US, particularly in Puerto Rico, where a large number of cases have been reported. The CDC has issued a travel warning against the territory due to local transmission of the virus. The US government is facing funding challenges, with millions already spent on Zika response and the lack of sufficient resources for potential future outbreaks. The situation is particularly concerning for pregnant women, as the virus can cause birth defects. The CDC advises against travel to Puerto Rico for pregnant women and recommends waiting two months after returning before trying to get pregnant. The mosquito-borne virus is spreading rapidly, and the situation is complicated by the financial crisis in Puerto Rico, which has made it difficult to implement effective mosquito control measures. The lack of adequate funding for disease response and prevention is a serious concern, as the US may not be prepared for a major outbreak.
Zika Virus Impact on Tourism and Precautions: The Zika virus affects tourism in certain areas, requiring caution for travelers and offering mosquito spray at theme parks. Diagnosis involves travel history and testing, and avoiding NSAIDs before diagnosis.
The Zika virus outbreak has significantly impacted tourism in certain areas, particularly in Miami, Florida. The CDC advised caution for travelers to specific locations, leading to concerns about the industry as a whole. Theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Florida, and Sea World have responded by providing complimentary mosquito spray to visitors. To be diagnosed with Zika, healthcare professionals will ask about recent travel and symptoms, and conduct blood, urine, or saliva tests. It's crucial to be diagnosed before taking NSAIDs, as both Zika and dengue fever share similar symptoms and can lead to dangerous complications when combined with these medications. The virus is primarily found in the American South, Southeast, parts of South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and California. Panic is unnecessary, as the best course of action is to educate yourself and stay informed.
Unique Food Names and Traditions in the UK: Listeners shared stories of trying new foods while traveling, such as an enormous sandwich from Burger King or South Korea's streaky bacon, while discussing the unique names and traditions of certain foods and sandwiches in the UK, including 'bacon buddy' and 'chip buddy', and the misconception that aioli is a mayonnaise-based sauce.
The UK has unique names for certain foods and sandwiches, such as "bacon buddy" which refers to a bacon sandwich or roll with butter, and "chip buddy" which is a crusty roll loaded with chips covered in vinegar and salt. Another interesting fact is that Aioli is actually a garlic-based sauce, contrary to what was previously discussed. Additionally, some listeners shared their experiences with trying new foods while traveling, like the "enormous sandwich" from Burger King or the different type of bacon called "streaky bacon" in South Korea. Lastly, Chuck mentioned his love for mayonnaise and shared a childhood memory of eating "cheesy dunkers" dipped in mayonnaise. Overall, the discussion highlighted the variety and uniqueness of food names and traditions around the world.
Exploring Creativity and Connecting with Peers on Safe Platforms: During spring break, kids can use Zigazoo for a fun and secure social media experience, while music lovers can enjoy Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs podcast to discover iconic tunes and their stories.
There are safe and engaging platforms like Zigazoo for kids to express their creativity and connect with peers through social media. While exploring the vast world of music, families can trust Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs podcast, which sheds light on the greatest songs ever made and their enduring impact. For kids looking for a fun and secure social media experience during spring break, consider downloading the Zigazoo app. Meanwhile, music lovers of all ages can enjoy the 500 Greatest Songs podcast and discover the stories behind iconic tunes from artists like Fleetwood Mac and The Ronettes. Whether it's through social media or music, there's always something new to learn and appreciate.
