HEADLINES Published February10, 2016 By Beatrice Asuncion

Zika Virus won't be Halted by Quarantines, says scientists

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A Brazilian baby with microcephaly (a too small head), thought to be caused by a Zika infection in her mother during pregnancy.
(Photo : Mario Tamas, Getty Images )

The Zika Virus epidemic has been the cause of global concern since the turn of the year. The mosquito-borne disease, which was initially only a problem in Latin America, has now reach the United States and can now be transferred sexually. The World Health Organization or WHO has since stepped in and has formed a committee in order to address the massive outbreak.

There have been multiple attempts to develop a vaccine for the Zika virus which is believed to be the cause of microcephaly. In fact, last week an Indian pharmaceutical firm has claimed to have developed a vaccination for the disease. The drug is now being tested for authenticity by government officials.

 Despite the continued development in curing and preventing the spread of the Zika Virus, some scientists agree that one form of proposed solution to the outbreak might not be all that effective.

During the recent GOP debate conducted last weekend, presidential candidate Chris Christie was asked if he plans to quarantine participants of the upcoming Olympics in Brazil. The New Jersey governor without hesitation responded with a "You bet I would."

Several scientists have since spoken out about the effectiveness of quarantines to halt the spread of the Zika Virus. According to most of them, given the nature of the disease there really is no point to the proposed action plan.

"While it is true that there have been - literally - a couple of instances where Zika transmission has been suspected or documented through sexual activity, Zika transmission won't occur through casual contact with others. In that regard, quarantining travelers doesn't make sense" explained Kamran Khan founder of Bio.Diaspora.

Furthermore according to Isaac Bogoch, an expert from the Toronto General Hospital, the US is already doing the best it can in preventing the spread of the Zika Virus in the country.  

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