Bearing a child is a gift that fills parents with an indescribable love. The idea of something bad happening to our little beings, is a thought no parent wants to fathom. As I watch and read the news regarding the fear striking millions worldwide because of the mysterious and incurable Zika Virus causing birth defects resulting in shrunken heads aka microcephaly, and therefore the brain not fully developing, I too am stricken with fear. My fear results from living in this melting pot, where travelers worldwide enter the United States, we enter their countries, and all of us are completely unaware of the potential that we are spreading this virus. We may be hosting this virus, given it has been in existence since 1947. What is more, studies have not concluded whether or not this virus affects toddlers. Adults that are infected only evidence mild cold symptoms. But what do we know of the long-term effects? Nothing.
The Zika Virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito. Primarily affecting Brazil and Latin American countries, this virus thrives in warmer climates and has made its way to Atlanta and Texas. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has urged women that are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to be wary of traveling abroad for fear of infecting their offspring. And while I have seen many posts of friends, acquaintances, etc. going on babymoons and excursions to the areas with travel alerts, I fear for them. At the same token, should we live in fear? We cannot have our entire existence be dictated on a potential scare, because how do we prevent the spread of this disease, particularly with Brazil being the most affected nation, yet hosting the 2016 Olympics? Given all of the travelers that will enter this country and return, how do we know whether or not fans will return carrying Zika?
My dilemma as a parent of a toddler and sister to an Olympic hopeful is whether or not to attend the Games in Brazil. Experts are still learning the effects on children, but given the virus has been around since 1947, how can parents be sure they are shielding their children from this evolving virus? Surely travel alerts that include 22 countries including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Barbados is an insignificant method in deterring the spread. Given the number of Americans that will exit and re-enter the country this year, can we really be certain the virus is not among us? Do we live in fear of the unknown? Or do we accept the fact that we may very well have been exposed long ago, given that only one out of five affected people experience basic flu-like symptoms? I fear for the pregnant moms who were not alerted about this virus before their trips. But I also fear for my child and the unknown. I urge parents to be on high alert and follow this story to educate yourselves regarding the effects on your children, that are to be determined.
-Leslie Osmond
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