Zika Virus was first detected in the Zika forest in Uganda in 1947 in a Rhesus monkey and again in 1948 in a mosquito(Asdes africanus). Several types of mosquito have been linked to the spread if the Zika virus. The Zika virus has also been spread through sexual contact. The Zika virus is simular to the Dengue and the Chikungunya virus which can also be spread though a mosquito bite. all three viruses originated from West and Central Africa and Southeast Asia.

Many people affected do not develop symptoms, those who do tend to have fever, rash, joint pains, red eyes, headache and muscle pain.

From October 2015 to January of 2016, 4000 cases of babies born with Microcephaly were observed in Brazil. Prior to this only approximately 150 cases were seen each year. Zika virus is the most likely culprit.

Travel for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the international canoe event held in Riode Janeiro in 2014 are theorized to have introduced the Zika virus to travelers all over the world.

CNN now reports that the mosquito born Zika virus is spreading through South and Central America at an explosive rate. Where the virus is active there has been a steep increase in the birth of babies with abnormally small heads and in cases of Guilliain-Barre syndrome. Both can cause developmental issues, paralysis, and sometimes death.
The Zika virus has been detected in the amnionic fluid and brain tissue in patients with fevers in Brazil.
There is no known vaccine for the Zika virus. Prevention efforts are key.

There are more than 50 cases of American affected abroad with Zika virus and Zika virus is already in Puerto Rico and The US Virgin Islands.

The American Mosquito Control Association states the best defense against the Zika virus is avoiding mosquito bites. Use mosquito repellent and protective clothing.

There is more unknown than know about the Zika virus at present, for this reason alone this virus should be taken very seriously, and appropriate precautions should be taken to avoid infection. Zika virus infection in pregnant women can result in serious, even leathal consequenses for the fetus.

Lyme Disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick.

Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. left untreated infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

To prevent Lyme disease, use insect repellent and protective clothing and remove ticks promptly.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise ticks also transmit other diseases.

There are an estimated 329,000 cases of Lyme Disease that occur annually in the United States.