Zika Attacks...Babies
In the article, Birth Defects Rise
Twentyfold in Mothers with Zika, C.D.C. Says, how Zika is dangerous to pregnant
women. Zika does not necessarily harm the mother but harms the baby. The babies
affected by Zika mostly are born with extremely small heads, brain
abnormalities, eye defects, and central nervous problems. These birth defects
are common in babies who become in contact with Zika while in their mother. It
is transmitted through a mosquito’s bite. The mosquito must carry the disease
to transmit it. There has been an increase of babies with these birth defects
from 2013 to 2014 according to this study which involved the states of
Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Georgia. Out of every 1,000 births there was
about an increase of 55 babies to be affected by Zika. Personally, I believe a
pregnant woman should not travel to where the Zika virus is present. I do not
think it is smart for a pregnant woman to take the risk and travel because it
is heart breaking to see a child born with defects that they will live with the
rest of their lives. Sometimes babies are not born with defects but can develop
abnormalities as they grow up. Even if the pregnant women must travel for work
related reasons, I still do not suggest to travel. The mother can try to make a
compromise with their boss. I asked my mother how she felt about this and she
stated, “It is a scary thought to think that I could be the one to make my
child have birth defects because of traveling to a country where Zika virus is
spreading. I would play it safe and not choose to travel there.” Once again, I
agree with my mother’s opinion as well.
Pregnant women must always take extra precaution when traveling to places since different types of diseases are prevalent on certain areas. Specially with Zika virus where no known cure or vaccine exists. It is heartbreaking to see babies born with abnormalities with no known cure.
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