[STUDY] Zika Virus Getting More Contagious as World Becomes Hotter; Here's What Experts Suggest

A new study revealed that the Zika virus is becoming more contagious.

The research experts from the University of Michigan conducted explained why the mosquito-borne disease is infecting more people.

Experts Warn That Zika Virus is Getting More Contagious-Here's Why

UM's new study discovered that Zika virus infections are now increasing because of the rising global temperatures.

Andrew Brouwer, the new study's co-author, warned that there could be sporadic outbreaks of the virus even in the coolest places as temperatures rise.

"There will probably be sporadic outbreaks in the coolest regions that will become increasingly common as temperatures rise," he explained via Yahoo News.

The new study specifically focused on Brazil. Involved experts analyzed four cities in the country. These are Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and Manaus.

"Brazilian health agencies need to be prepared not only for the increased incidence of diseases like dengue and Zika but also for longer transmission seasons and broader geographic areas of occurrence," said Andrew.

Aside from hot temperatures, rainfall also concerns researchers because mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus lay their eggs in water.

Drought is not an exemption since people in Brazil tend to store water in their homes, which can attract mosquitoes. This could increase the chance of getting the Zika virus.

Aside from rainfall and drought, deforestation also plays a major role in the spread of the Zika virus since this harmful activity can decrease the predators of mosquitoes.

Because of this, experts suggested that people can help prevent the spread of the disease by not supporting businesses and companies that benefit from deforestation.

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What To Know About Zika Virus

Mosquitoes mainly transmit the Zika virus once they bite humans. But, there are other ways this disease can be transferred to another individual.

One of them is through pregnancy. CDC explained that a mother can pass the mosquito-borne disease to her fetus during pregnancy.

Another way the disease can be transferred is through sexual intercourse. If one of the two individuals having sex is infected with the Zika virus, he/she can transfer the disease to another person.

Aside from pregnancy and sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, as well as laboratory and healthcare setting exposure, can spread this disease.

If you want to learn more about the alarming Zika virus, you can click this link.