Tag: Virus

Approaches To Reduce Future Viral Infections

Part 3 of 3:

Approaches To Reduce Future Viral Infections 

Will the eradication of mosquitoes eliminate viral illnesses?

Has it been proven the eradication of mosquitoes will decrease the diseases Dengue, Yellow Fever or Zika Virus?

Has it even been proven that using GM mosquitoes will reduce viruses transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes?   

What is the viral transmission rate of GM mosquitoes to human hosts? 

Answers to such questions would allay much public concern and fear about GM mosquitoes and pave a path for our future direction.

Instead, we are given reassurances from agencies that often wear the same hats as those they regulate.

Part 2 of this series raised the issue that our targets are misguided. Instead, we should target viruses (that are not considered living) rather than living insects. Mosquitos  are vital to our ecosystem.

In addition, why had an outbreak occurred in areas where GMM were released? Why didn’t GMM mosquitoes prevent the Zika outbreak? 

These are questions weighing on the public that need to be answered for GMM, to gain widespread public approval. Why have they not been answered?

Yet the WHO and the FDA have deemed it safe to use in light of the Zika epidemic. A spread caused not by mosquitoes but by a virus.  Zika virus clearly mutated in Brazil, being now linked to microcephaly  with sporadic cases  transmitted sexually.  Another feature unique to this mosquito-borne infection is it changed target to human offsprings and expanded its mode of transmission. 

If recent patterns foretell the future then Zika will be one in a long line of such viruses.

Genetic mutation vs genetic modification?

Does Climate Change enhance genetic mutation?

Did the changes in the climate accelerate reproductive cycles of the mosquitoes as well as the virus?

And how do viruses adapt to genetically-modified mosquitoes? Male mosquitoes don’t bite, but what is the survival rate of GMM offsprings in different locations?

Instead of the eradication of mosquitoes, let us consider trying new approaches where short, medium and long term benefits are all possible.

I suggest a rapid mobilization of the training and certification of more labs to perform Zika testing. Rapid testing facilitates rapid diagnosis and thus prevents spread. 

 

Improved infrastructure that raises the standard for all.  Universal healthcare is necessary as well as updated, repaired and replaced sewage, sanitation and pipes. These are goals that should now start. It will not only provide short term benefit but also long term benefits, as marked reduction in infections are noted as well as some cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Our research focus should include the public concern. Research must not solely be based on the researchers’ interests, but those of the community involved should have equal weight.

Researchers are experts in their fields but the community is an expert in what it sees. Many researchers lack first- or even second-hand knowledge. Engaging the public in initiating research may change the direction and lead to meaningful and lasting solutions to problems.  We live in connected environments.

Our focus should go beyond vaccines and develop ways humans can become unsavory to man’s greatest enemy, the virus itself.

Part 1 of 3: Could mutated Zika cause Microcephaly?

Part 2 of 3: The Problem Is NOT Mosquitos But Viruses

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I hope the readers have been interested in all three parts of this subject. Please contact me if you questions or need more information about Zika.

Could Mutated Zika Cause Microcephaly?

Part 1 of 3:

Could Mutated Zika Cause Microcephaly?

Could the transmission of GMM (genetically-modified) mosquitoes cause mutations in the Zika Virus, resulting in microcephaly?

Despite assurance from agencies (like the WHO and the FDA) that GMM is completely safe and without harmful effects, the evidence is not strong enough to substantiate safe distribution of GMMs.

That kind of assurance was said of the Monsanto herbicide Round-up. Which is now reportedly linked to cancer! It was also said of GMO foods that are now linked to numerous cases of autoimmune disease.

Yet GMO labels are still not mandatory on food products and there is legislation to ensure it stays that way.  Without labels we will be unaware of GMOs in our foods and not know why we are afflicted with certain common cancers.

The hidden or non-use of GMO labels will certainly delay any future links of GMOs with illnesses, prevent parties from taking responsibility and impede on the public’s’ right to safe dietary consumption. This kind of carelessness or disregard leaves the public ignorant and open to hazards.

Has Zika been genetically modified?

Zika, which was first discovered in Uganda in 1947, has suddenly and without reason went from an asymptomatic infection to a global public health emergency. How did that happen?

In Brazil a Zika outbreak was associated with an outbreak of microcephaly. Strong evidence suggests the Zika Virus caused microcephaly and other birth defects in human offsprings. Based on news reports, it appears the link between Zika and microcephaly is isolated to Brazil. In the past, French Polynesia had a similar link.

While the Zika outbreak continues to wreak havoc in Latin America and the Caribbean, microcephaly appears only in Brazil. The areas where GMM were released are the ones where this link is strongest. This is a fact that is currently buried in the hysteria caused by Zika being linked to microcephaly. Panic that seems bent on leaving certain stones unturned and untouched.

Instead, mosquitoes are now viewed as dangerous to the survival of humans and slated for eradication, using the most expensive and high-tech approaches afforded the military and Big Pharma. But isn’t it the virus that caused the disease, not the mosquitoes?

Outbreaks in Brazil started in areas where GMM were released. Could there be now a new mutation, a new viral strain?

Will the war on mosquitoes prevent certain viral infections? Or will the viruses mutate and find new hosts?

Can we eradicate mosquitoes without adversely impacting on our ecosystem?

Basic questions yet again unanswered and unexplored, the smokescreen, red flags paving the path for further investigation.

Zika virus in Brazil may be mutated strain
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/zika-virus-in-brazil-may-be-mutated-strain/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Chan-Twitter-General

Part 2 of 3:  The Problem Is NOT Mosquitos But Viruses

Part 3 of 3:  Approaches To Reduce Future Viral Infections 

 

The Problem Is NOT Mosquitos But Viruses

Part 2 of 3:

The Problem Is NOT Mosquitos But Viruses

I think the most confusing part of Zika is separating the virus from the mosquito. By declaring war on the mosquitoes we are literally shooting the messenger. The carrier.

It is questionable whether eradication of the Aedes mosquitoes will rid humanity of viral infections. It hasn’t so far, as areas where GMM (genetically-modified) mosquitoes were released are the very areas where the outbreak of microcephaly (tiny heads) occurred.

Could the two be related?

The FDA and WHO issued blanket statements regarding their safety. However, noted experts dispute their safety, as much is still unknown about transgenes (from species to species). These are difficult to control or predict.

The real culprit (Zika Virus) we know little about. More information is needed about why Zika is now thought linked to microcephaly and Guillian Barre syndrome?

In many cases, mosquitoes acquire infections from humans and transmit back to humans (in the course of their mosquito life cycle). Human blood has proteins that nourish female mosquito eggs. Only females bite humans, while males feed on plant nectar, resulting in pollination.

Zika, Dengue Fever and Yellow Fever viral infections use mosquitoes to find suitable hosts to replicate. To ensure survival, these viruses mutate in response to changes in the environment.

Viruses consist of vital RNA or DNA (acidic molecules) that are enclosed in protein. They are only able to replicate within living cells and are not living organisms. They are complex molecules. Most viruses require particular species to replicate.

We know the Zika Virus replicates in humans. Does it replicate in other living organisms?

A virus can enter thru the skin, airways, GI (digestion), and via bites. Viruses release their genetic code — DNA or RNA — into a cell. This genetic material is susceptible to genetic modification or mutations.

Viruses, not mosquitoes, are deadly. Our only weapon to prevent viral illnesses are vaccines.

Once the association of Zika Virus to microcephaly is established, it will be the first known mosquito-borne virus to target a human offsprings’ neurodevelopment. Microcephalic offsprings do not reproduce and have diminished life expectancy.

Isn’t the virus doing to humans what gene modification was meant to do with the mosquito population?

Part  1 of 3:  Could mutated Zika cause Microcephaly

Part 3 of 3:  Approaches To Reduce Future Viral Infections