Amidst reports of rising number of Americans getting sick because of the Zika virus, there are still those who believe that Americans are immune to the virus. What? Although this isn't among the popular Zika conspiracy theories, there really are a number of people who believe that Americans do have immunity against the virus. Where did it come from?
Despite news reports of Americans contracting the Zika virus, some people still think otherwise, said Huffington Post. Two tweets from distinct individuals showed their belief regarding immunity against Zika virus.
@SpeakerRyan @WashTimes Say NO to more Obama requested FAKE #Zika virus funding. American immune systems are immune to it. Virus isn't new
— Chad (@FlyOSUBuckeye1) May 22, 2016
@ABC dont spread propaganda about a non-existent threat to Americans Fake Zika war is a terrorist tactice — Barbara Adams (@SheSellsBoise) May 26, 2016
Americans Contracted Zika
From the time that the Zika virus spread relentlessly in some countries like Brazil, there have been Americans who inadvertently contracted the virus. Common causes include traveling to Zika-infected countries. In fact, in one recent report, a baby in New Jersey was born with microcephaly, a Zika-linked birth condition. Even with this glaring proof that Americans aren't immune to the virus, these few people may have misinterpreted reports that there were those who had antibodies against the virus.
Zika Existed Way Back In 1947
According to Huffington Post, the Zika virus was discovered in 1947. It was already existing in the rhesus monkeys in the forests of Uganda. Reports also have it that the occurrence of Zika infections is common in Asia and America and that there really are a number of people who have antibodies to fight the virus. It just follows that if people have been previously exposed to the virus, then developing antibodies will be a natural consequence.
No Immunity From Virus
Derek Gatherer, a Lancaster University lecturer, said that the possibility of Americans being immune to the Zika virus is "none." However, if there are people who have become resistant to the virus, it just means that at one point in their lives, they have contracted the said virus. Basically, if one has not contracted Zika, then he does not have any immunity to it.
The Monitor said that if people continue to believe in these Zika conspiracy theories, it will undermine whatever effort is being poured to control the spread of the virus. It is best not to readily believe in these conspiracy theories.
