Biology Revision for "O" level examinations

From my previous posts, it was mentioned that Zika rarely causes death, and hospitalization is also uncommon. So what is the most devastating effect of the Zika virus? It can cause  microcephaly in infants. When the virus first began to spread like wildfire in Brazil, Doctors were not very certain of the implications. However, what was observed, was that there was a raising number of microcephaly in infants. Based on further investigation, a link was established between the virus and microcephaly.  What is Microcephaly Microcephaly (my-kroh-SEF-uh-lee) is a rare neurological condition in which an infant's head is significantly smaller than the heads of other children of the same age and sex. Sometimes detected at birth, microcephaly usually is the result of the brain developing abnormally in the womb or not growing as it should after birth. Microcephaly can be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Children with microcephaly often have developmental

Zika virus is affecting hundreds of thousands of people across South America but what is this devastating virus? Unfortunately,there is no treatment, vaccine or cure for this disease as yet. This outbreak will certainly brings more focus of researchers towards a treatment or vaccine.  However, as a  Forbes post  mentioned, it seem as if the world waited a bit too long to develop a suitable vaccine. Only after the outbreak has been so devastating, that funds are being made available for research. "A new epidemic hits the news, leaving everyone scurrying to develop a vaccine. Previously, there was SARS. In 2009, it was H1N1 influenza, two years ago it was Ebola. Now it is Zika. Each time a vaccine was not available in time to substantially impact the course of the epidemic" (Bruce Y Lee,  Forbes ) The  Following is a  DNews  video, explaining about the devastating Zika virus 

What is Zika? Zika virus is a member of the Flaviviridae virus family and the Flavivirus genus, transmitted by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes, such as  A. aegypti. How does the virus spread? Aedes aegipti Mosquito Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These are the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in things like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases.  They are aggressive daytime biters, prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. What are some of the Symptoms of Zika? -About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become ill (i.e., develop Zika). Symptoms of Zika infection -The most common symptoms of Z

What is H1N1 flu? H1N1 is a flu virus. When it was first detected in 2009, it was called “swine flu” because the virus was similar to those found in pigs. The H1N1 or swine  flu  is a respiratory disease caused by  influenza   viruses  that infect the respiratory tract of pigs and result in a barking  cough ,  decreased appetite , nasal secretions, and listless behavior; the virus can be transmitted to humans. The H1N1 virus is currently a seasonal flu virus found in humans. Although it also circulates in pigs,  you cannot get it by eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products Transmission Swine flu is transmitted from person to person by  inhalation  or ingestion of droplets containing virus from people  sneezing  or  coughing . Symptoms Symptoms of H1N1 Symptoms of swine flu are similar to most influenza infections. Some symptoms are listed below:    Fever (100 0 F /37 0 C or greater), Cough. Nasal secretion,fatigue   and headache.