Biosecurity

Zika Virus Map Shows a United States Outbreak is Up Next

Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finally, unequivocally confirmed that the Zika virus causes microcephaly in infants – confirming what most scientists had long known. However, the story doesn’t end there because – in a new development – the Zika virus is also now known to causeautoimmune diseases in adults too. There is also alarming evidence that the virus can cause the deadly brain ailments meningitis and encephalitis in people of all ages.

What was a South American issue six months ago is soon to become a North American issue with an outbreak in the U.S. this summer almost inevitable, according to health officials. The virus is already infecting people in Puerto Rico and Mexico and – when one looks at the Zika virus map below – it’s easy to see why America is next. The map shows the likelihood of an outbreak.