News Analysis # 1

The Zika virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1947. The virus is transmitted by a mosquito vector and
is related to dengue, yellow fever and the West Nile virus. Most who are infected with the virus show no
symptoms and those who do will notice a high fever, headaches, joint pain, light sensitivity and
sometimes a rash that often times last up to a week. The real concern with the Zika virus is for pregnant
women. The Zika virus causes microcephaly which "is a condition in which a baby's head is significantly
smaller than expected, often due to abnormal brain development." (CDC 2016, 1)A recent outbreak of
the virus in the Spring of 2016 along with the resulting pregnancy defects has moved this virus up the list
in terms of creating a vaccine. Scientists are working on creating a vaccine to help the human body
create antibodies against the Zika virus, but the amount of time it takes to create and test a vaccine
could take years, which is why scientists are reviewing alternative options, such as a DNA vaccine. "For a
DNA vaccine against Zika, scientists insert genes for Zika proteins into a circular piece of DNA called a
plasmid. Many copies are injected into muscle. Some of the DNA travels into cells; nuclei, where it us
used to make messenger RNA. After exiting the nucleus, mRNA helps build Zika proteins, which can form
viruslike particles that trigger the immune system to make antibodies" (McNeil Jr., Saint Louis, St. Fleur
2017, 42). Using DNA to create a vaccine is a much faster technique and also works more efficiently in
the human body versus a normal vaccine, which injects an inactivated version of the virus. The DNA
vaccine method has shown to support the scientists claims with evidence of successful trials in mice and
monkeys.

The primary sources for this article supported the main claims of the spread of the virus and possible
birth defects associated with virus. Currently, there are no vaccines to treat the virus and no one is
shown to be immune to the illness.

An article like this brings hope to those who are worried about possibly contracting the virus and what
harm it could bring to potential pregnancies. The positive outlook the scientists share is uplifting but
could also bring disappointment if the process fails. The creation of a vaccine is expensive, which could
potentially put the virus victim at risk of a financial burden, especially if only one vaccine option is
proven effective. Possible side effects will need to be shared with the public and explained in detail with
those receiving the vaccine, to ensure that benefits outweigh the harm. Overall, if the vaccine is
approved, it must be readily available to all, especially those in heavily Zika infested areas.

Many scientists mentioned in this article are involved with government led teams or university medical
centers, as well as the Institute of Research, Infectious Disease and the Public Health Institution. With
their particular involvement I would assume the majority of the motivation is financially driven, and is
also supported by those aiming to calm public relation affiliates of the world health organization.
Knowing the severity of the effects of the virus, and how quickly and unnoticed this virus can spread, I
support the avenues taken to ensure the production of a safe and effective vaccine. The opposing side
views vaccines as artificially dangerous material and unnecessary exposure to harmful viruses. While a
direct connection with the Zika DNA vaccine was not found, many in general boycott vaccines and
believe in slight exposure to help initiate and build antibodies naturally.
I thought I knew many facts about the Zika virus before reading this article, but found out much more
than I anticipated. As information arose throughout the article, I found myself searching for more
reports to help support the facts I had just read. This article helped me understand what is actively being
pursued to tackle this dangerous virus. As a woman in my childbearing years, the idea that simple
mosquito bite could force me to halt my future pregnancy plans or even worse, harm a potential fetus is
quite terrifying. This outcome is a lifelong battle for both mother and child. While the Zika virus is not
actively killing millions of people like other viruses in our world's history, the disability this virus creates
is damaging to many individuals and populations alike.

Stated in the previous paragraph, I found myself searching for more information after being presented
with brief descriptions of information, but not enough for my understanding. The definition and
explanation provided regarding the implementation of the DNA vaccine was well executed, but I had a
difficult time understanding it's significance since a comparison argument of how normal or standard
vaccines work was not given. Overall, the article was informational and presented the facts necessary to
inform the public on current action being taken to battle this potentially life changing virus.

Works Cited

Rosen, Meghan. 2017. "DNA May Offer rapid Road to Zika Vaccine." ScienceNews. Accessed March 17,
2017. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dna-may-offer-rapid-road-zika-
vaccine?mode=topic&context=69&tgt=nr

Primary

J. Richner et al. Modified mRNA vaccines protect against Zika virus infection. Cell. Published online
February 17, 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.02.017.

McNeil Jr., Donald C., Saint Louis, Catherine and St. Fleur, Nicholas. 2016. "Short Answers to Hard
Questions About Zika Virus." The New York Times. Accessed March 17, 2017.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/health/what-is-zika-virus.html?_r=0

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Facts About Microcephaly." Last Modified December 7,
2016. Accessed March 17, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/microcephaly.html

New Health Advisor. "Pros and Cons of Vaccinations." Last Modified March 29, 2017. Accessed March
29, 2017. http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Pros-and-Cons-of-Vaccinations.html