Infographic: Common Myths About the Zika Virus

Full description. This infographic is a collection of data regarding the real domestic threat of the infamous Zika virus to the United States of America. It's explained by addressing the top five myths about the virus. We previously wrote a blog post that goes into more detail about it, but the following image summarizes it in its entirety. The data clearly shows that the threat of Zika is relatively overblown and not as serious as the media has portrayed.

What's included. This infographic highlights basic information about the Zika virus as well as an analysis of how public perception has overblown its impact. It is organized into five "myths" that people generally believe.

1. Overview - Background information on Zika: Zika was first reported in 1947 and only .011% of the U.S. population has been infected. Like the common cold, Zika's symptoms include: fever, red eyes, headache, muscle pain, sweating, loss of appetite, vomiting, skin rash and joint pain. Some birth defects may happen if a pregnant mother contracts the virus.
2. Myth #1 - "Zika is rampant within the United States": Zika is not rampant within the United States. In fact, there have been only 3,625 cases, of which 59 are from mosquitoes. All of these insect-borne cases came from the Miami area in Flordia (due to proximity to Cuba).
3. Myth #2 - "The real threat has been overstated by the media": Indeed, the media has overblown the threat of Zika. By looking at mere death toll data, only one person has died from Zika (total) while guns, vehicles, obesity, heart disease and cancer has taken millions of lives.
4. Myth #3 - "Zika has serious pandemic potential": Medical experts tend to agree that Zika is not a pandemic and doesn't have the potential to become one. Ultimately, Zika is not a deadly disease (unlike the Ebola virus that is deadly).
5. Myth #4 - "Zika is deadly for the average adult": Zika's symptoms are generally similar to the common cold. For most adults, it's not deadly. However, pregnant mothers that contract the Zika virus can give microcephaly to their unborn children, causing a severe birth and developmental defect. Some evidence also exists that links Zika to Guillian-Barre Syndrome (nervous system disorder), but more research needs to be conducted.
6. Myth #5 - "Zika can be sexually transmitted": While it is true that Zika can be sexually transmitted, you shouldn't be as worried. In fact, you are 200% more likely to contract herpes, of which 20% of the U.S. population has. Out of all Americans, only 2% know they have herpes, which is much more common.

Please understand that while this infographic contains medical information and a few best practices, it is for reference purposes only and is not to be interpreted as actual medical advice. Please consult a medical professional regarding Zika and any other medical condition you are worried about.