Topic #2: Dealing with a public health crisis- Zika, a viral disease passed from
ID: 92703 • Letter: T
Question
Topic #2: Dealing with a public health crisis- Zika, a viral disease passed from human to human via mosquito, as well as by sexual contact and has gained a foothold in the continental US (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/locally-acquired-zika-virus-reportedly-spreads-to-miami-beach_us_57b623ebe4b00d9c3a168d5c?) . While some infected people may have mild to no symptoms with a Zika infection, severe side effects include, Guillain-Barré syndrome, which is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, and birth defects if a women is infected while she is pregnant. Congress has dragged it's heels funding programs to stop the spread of Zika, as well as those aimed to reduce the health impacts. How do you feel about politicians interjecting politics into public health matters?
Explanation / Answer
In my view, politicians should not interject their views in public health matters. But in reality, politics for better or worse play an important role in public health matters. Their reaction to a particular public health issue depends upon their perception about the seriousness, their responsibility and the affected population. Public health matters, for example Zika virus infection at present is found in continental America only in certain Latin American countries. If the issue is not addressed correctly by proper funding, the problem will only escalate and it has the potential to spread worldwide including the United States which would have a serious socio-economic impact. Prevention is always better than the cure. So, politicians should not interfere into public health matters.