The Aedes Aegypti, which is the mosquito that carries a multitude of different diseases including the Zika Virus, was once endemic to Africa. The insect has since spread to different countries mainly those around the equator. The spread has caused subsequent outbreaks of Dengue and Zika in Brazil and other tropical countries. However, it seems like countries with colder climates are just as exposed to the threat the Aedes Aegypti brings.
Just this week, officials from the Russian Health Ministry have confirmed the first case of the Zika virus in the country. According to the official press release, the patient is a 36 year old Russian woman who recently vacationed in the Dominican Republic.
"The first infection with Zika has been recorded. This is a 36-year old Russian woman who was in the Dominican Republic and came back to the Russian Federation in February," announced Veronika Skvortsova, Russian Health Minister.
Skvortsova has since explained that the country is taking all measure in order to halt the spread of the Zika Virus in Russia. She claims that all Russians travelling from countries with reported Zika cases are tested upon arrival.
"We are extremely cautious. Our specialists have come up with excellent methodological protocols for immediate diagnosis of Zika, and also preventive measures."
The country's Health Ministry is knee deep in researching on the Zika virus and other tropical diseases. According to Skvortsova, their scientists have since developed several tests in order to accurately detect Zika. They are currently considering embarking on studies related to the Zika vaccine.
However she explains that in a discussion with Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO General Director, they have discussed the importance of establishing the relationship between Zika virus and birth defects. They are finalizing details about an upcoming research that would delve on the impact of the mosquito-borne virus on nerve tissues that lead to birth defects including microcephaly.