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Added on the 26/01/2016 21:51:29 - Copyright : Reuters - Next Media
The Pan American Health Organization, the World Health Organization’s Americas arm, has warned that the Zika virus, which has been linked to a sudden rise of birth defects in Brazil, could see an “explosive” outbreak and spread to as many as four million people in the Americas, Reuters reported.
Infectious disease epidemiologist Dr. Syra Madad says that disease outbreaks are often accompanied by infodemic, where unreliable information spreads quickly. Having previously battled outbreaks of Ebola, Zika, and measles,Dr. Madad says that she always has to fight the 'contagion of misinformation.' However, Business Insider reports there are ways for people to vet their sources. Use the 5 W's: whose, what, why, when, and where. Whose information is being presented? A government, or a company? Do they have a track record of providing credible information? What are they offering? A product? When was the information written, and by whom? Also, why are they offering this information? Why does this source exist? Finally, where is it coming from? What is the agenda of the source? Is its information based on credible evidence that can be cross-checked?
An expert from Imperial College London tells us what we need to know on the Zika virus.
A British company Oxitec may have a way to fight Zika virus. They create genetically modified mosquitoes that produce offspring that will not survive into adulthood.
Brazil grapples with the rapid spread of the mosquito-borne Zika virus, as the number of new-borns with brain defects soars. Katie Sargent reports
The famous Brazilian carnival kicks off while there is huge outbreak of Zika virus in the country and across the continent.
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