case study Infection

Answer 1

Zika is a virus carried by the Aedes agypti mosquito that primarily prefers dirty, standing water and urban areas to live and reproduce in for transmission to humans. West Nile Virus is spread through mosquito bites as well, and in 2019 the United States reported 917 cases in 47 states (CDC, Jan 7 2020), 1 of which was in New York City, compared to Zika which reported 20 cases, 15 of which were in New York City (CDC Jan 7 2020). New Yorkers are at a greater risk for Zika, considering the disease is sexually transmitted and given the high amount of travelers that travel to New York from areas in which Zika is endemic, such as parts of South and Central America. Sexually transmitted diseases are a more substantial threat to New Yorkers given the night life culture of New York City and liberated sexual culture.

Answer 2

Residents in NYC are more likely to get West Nile Than Zika. Here is a link to the formal report by the ny health department. https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/docs/weekly_arboviral_surveillance_report.pdf

Answer 3

Hi Andrew:

What is the history for each of these diseases in the New York (City?) area? What are the vectors (ie what carries these pathogens)? Are these vectors common in NYC? Can you find evidence of efforts to control these vectors in the area? What about treatments? Are they available for both? Do the diseases depend on specific environmental conditions? Are these present or variable in NYC? How might this affect the respective virulence of each of these viruses?

Do some research and write a paragraph (or 3!) on what you learn, providing references and examples to support your findings. If you post it here, I'd be happy to provide a constructive and helpful critique of your efforts.

Cheers, Pete