The Zika Virus: A Case Study

One of the health incidents that has occurred recently, given the summer months season, is the concern with the Zika virus. Although the Zika virus has minimal effect on the average person, the greater concern is with pregnant women and the affects to the unborn child. Devastating enough, the inability to prevent other issues, such as due pregnancy. According to CDC, “Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly, and is linked to other problems in fetuses and infants infected with Zika before birth”.

Educating the Public

The role of the emergency manager in the incident is to education the public in relevant areas. For example, posting information in Women’s Health Clinics, etc., such

as discussing What is Zika?: What You Need to Know About Zika?: What are the symptoms?: and What to do to Prevent Zika?
Educating the public (recognizing the system and preventing) and giving analytical status update, places to avoid, etc. For example:
- Clothing – wearing long sleeves shirt and pants
- Insect Repellent – there are always vegan products that can purchased and wore as wristband
- In Door – keep the air conditioner on, use mosquito nets
- Sex – use protection or abstinence
Staff Training and Preparing
In addition, providing training to employees in recognizing symptoms, offering water, aspirins, answering questions of concerned people, asking relevant questions (i.e. did you recently travel, experience mosquito bites, etc.). Also, knowing who to call and how to refer to other resources, offering water. When in doubt, calling for medical assistance.
Prevention and Resources
The priority is making strong relationships with local organizations (hospitals, clinics, etc.) and State/Federal resources when there is a concern of someone affected by the virus.