• How big a deal is the Zika virus? Two Baylor professors explain.

    Mosquito

    You’ve seen the headlines about the latest viral disease, the Zika virus. But what is it really? And should you be concerned?

    Here’s what you need to know, courtesy of two Baylor professors who have been studying mosquitos and diseases like Zika for more than 30 years.

    First, says Dr. Richard Duhrkopf, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about the Zika virus. “I saw one report that said this was totally a South American/Central American problem because the mosquitoes that transmit Zika are not found in the U.S,” says Duhrkopf, a Baylor biology professor since 1984. “I have no idea where they got that information, but it is totally false… There is no question in my mind that we will see this virus being transmitted this summer.”

    So what’s the best way for an individual to prevent contraction? Duhrkopf’s suggestions are straightforward: Avoid being bitten in the first place by such simple acts as getting rid of standing water, avoiding going outside at dusk and dawn, and wearing insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing if you do.

    Preventing the disease at the regional or national level, however, may be more complicated. Just last week, The New York Times ran an opinion piece from another Baylor professor on the need for a coordinated effort to stop the virus before we start seeing widespread effects in newborns.

    “Several Zika vaccines are being created, but none will be ready in time for this year’s epidemic,” writes Dr. Peter Hotez, founding dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and University Professor of Biology here. “In place of a vaccine we need a robust program of mosquito control and environmental cleanup in the poorest neighborhoods of our Gulf Coast cities and in Florida.”

    Sic ’em, Drs. Duhrkopf and Hotez, for sharing your research and knowledge on Zika!