Are Americans really immune to Zika virus? A false and potentially precarious rumor about Americans' immunity to Zika virus has recently circulated on Twitter. In fact, the claim read, "Zika funding is a scam because Americans are immune to it."
Are Americans Really Immune To Zika Virus?
U.S. President Barack Obama has recently slammed the Congress for refusing to support his request for a $1.9 billion fund to combat the spreading of Zika virus in the country after latest statistics showed that there were almost 300 pregnant women who tested positive for Zika in America. But according to Snopes, Twitter user @FlyOSUBuckeye1 believes Obama is just requesting a fake Zika virus funding since Americans are immune to it.
"@SpeakerRyan @WashTimes Say NO to more Obama requested FAKE #Zika virus funding. American immune systems are immune to it. Virus isn't new," @FlyOSUBuckeye1 posted on Twitter, as seen in a screengrab photo on Snopes.
Claims Have No Proofs
His claims about Americans' immunity to Zika virus, however, lack evidence since no scientific body or study has concluded that Americans are immune to the Zika virus. As a matter of fact, the U.S. Centers for has warned Americans not to travel to Latin American destinations including Mexico, Central America and the Pacific Islands, not to mention the increasing numbers of pregnant women in the U.S. that have tested positive for Zika virus.
Internet Misinformation Could Pose A Major Health Hazard
Despite the lack of proofs, a team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University, George Washington University, and the University of Georgia published a study in the scientific journal Vaccine on May 24, analyzing Zika-related conspiracy theories. Even though the claims about Americans' immunity to the virus were not specifically addressed, researchers warned that misinformation on the internet could potentially raise a significant health hazard.
"Once people have made up their minds about something, it's hard for them to change their opinions," lead author Mark Dredze of Johns Hopkins said. "I'd find it surprising if this sort of story really had no impact whatsoever, and I can't imagine it would make people more likely to pursue a healthy response."
The researchers also urged to take immediate action to debunk unscientific conspiracy theories around Zika and other viruses to ensure that future vaccine campaigns will be effective. Meanwhile, latest Zika virus updates seemed to hint the possibility of the virus spreading in U.S. mainland.
Zika Virus Invading The United States?
Zika virus could reportedly spread in the United States in the coming months. The warning came after the Brazilian strain of the virus was found in Africa, New Scientist notes.
In the U.S., roughly 500 people have contracted Zika virus but all infections were picked up abroad. However, as temperatures rise and mosquitoes become more active, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease expert Anthony Fauci revealed that there's an increasing chance that Zika virus from imported cases will get passed to mainland mosquitoes.
Obama Slams Congress Over Zika Virus Funding
Due to the potential threat of Zika virus invading the U.S., President Barack Obama urged the Congress and the Senate to back his proposed $1.9 billion fund to combat the spreading of the virus. Unfortunately, only half of the proposed funding was approved by the Senate while the Congress only agreed to one-third, Caribbean 360 reports.
Obama was disappointed with the lack of support and criticized the House of Representatives. The president warned that no walls can stop the spread of Zika virus, saying there would be "bigger problems" if the issue is not addressed properly.
So, do you think Americans are immune to Zika virus? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
