Zika Virus Outbreak: Economy of Latin America Countries Greatly Affected

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The Zika Virus-related U.S. alert issued on Friday is expected to affect the already-poor economy of the Latin American countries, which are already experiencing a decline in tourism-generated income.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert last Friday for 14 Central and South American countries and territories, namely Brazil, Guatemala, Haiti, Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Paraguay, French Guiana, Mexico, Suriname, Martinique, El Salvador, Honduras and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The CDC has been forced to issue a warning due to the on-going Zika virus outbreak.

Zika infection is a mosquito-borne disease Signs and symptoms of this include low-grade fever, joint pain, rashes and red eyes. As of now, there is still no medication available to treat this infection.

Before the outbreak, it was expected that a million of people will go to Rio de Janeiro for the Carnival celebration in Brazil. However, after the Zika virus outbreak and the warning released by CDC, people might avoid Brazil and other Latin America countries and territories for a while.

The warning is especially but not limited for pregnant women. Pregnant women are highlighted in the alert since there is already a dramatic rise in the number of birth defects in those countries and territories. Many newborns came out with microcephaly—a very rare brain defect. It is suspected that this defect is linked to Zika virus, according to Madison.com.

Investigation regarding the link of the two is still going.

Tourists who are pregnant or those who are expecting to be pregnant are encouraged to avoid the countries and territories stated in the warning of CDC. On the other hand, women from the affected areas are encouraged to delay their pregnancy for at least six months while the Zika virus is still spreading.