Public Address | Cafe | Access: Zika and microcephaly: things to know https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/ en-us Copyright (c) 2026 Public Address Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=359128#post359128 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=359128#post359128 US CDC now accepts zika microcephaly link

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/78909000/health-officials-declare-zika-cause-of-severe-birth-defects

]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2016 11:54:21 +1200 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357985#post357985 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357985#post357985 Lancet analysis of zika/microcephaly link from recent outbreak in French Polynesia. Looks like there is an increased risk in the first trimester of pregnancy.
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)00651-6/fulltext

]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2016 21:02:57 +1300 Angela Hart https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357432#post357432 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357432#post357432 Tue, 08 Mar 2016 16:04:34 +1300 B Jones https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357415#post357415 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357415#post357415 It looks like it's still the most likely suspect: New evidence supporting a link between Zika virus infection and microcephaly
From the CDC report:
"Among the six [American] pregnant women with Zika virus disease who reported symptoms during the first trimester, outcomes included two early pregnancy losses, two elective pregnancy…

]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 13:41:26 +1300 Angela Hart https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357391#post357391 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357391#post357391 and now Aedes aegypti happily breeding near Auckland airport
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/298369/possible-zika-carrying-larvae-found.
Hopefully the microcephaly connection will be disproven. Zika itself doesn't appear to be too bad.

]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 11:16:00 +1300 Angela Hart https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357231#post357231 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357231#post357231 Cliff is one of the Atkinson complainants whose case eventually resulted in Funded Family Care and the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act Amendment 2013.
http://publicaddress.net/access/family-carers-case-five-years-on/

]]> Sat, 05 Mar 2016 20:13:54 +1300 Angela Hart https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357228#post357228 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357228#post357228 NZ mozzies may be able to transmit Zika
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11600619

]]> Sat, 05 Mar 2016 20:06:31 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357220#post357220 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=357220#post357220 NZer Cliff Robinson talks about raising his two adult children with microcephaly

http://www.womensweekly.co.nz/latest/real-life/the-inspiring-story-of-one-fathers-unconditional-love-18398

]]> Sat, 05 Mar 2016 13:13:10 +1300 linger https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356305#post356305 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356305#post356305 spit-tweetingis a way of transmitting communicable diseases.
(It's a celebrity! Get me outta here...)

]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2016 16:30:49 +1300 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356302#post356302 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356302#post356302 I hope it was clear that I thought the conspiracy theory to be nonsense

Yup.

]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2016 15:48:13 +1300 B Jones https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356300#post356300 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356300#post356300 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 13:58:58 +1300 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356298#post356298 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356298#post356298 vividly illustrates the harm of anti-vaccination conspiracy theories

NY Times article notes that "Brazil’s southernmost state went so far over the weekend as to ban the use of the larvicide in its drinking water" a theory spread by actors (spit) tweeting.

The larvacide kills mosquitoes that spread multiple diseases including…

]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2016 13:54:08 +1300 linger https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356295#post356295 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356295#post356295 Bad Science vividly illustrates the harm of anti-vaccination conspiracy theories. Following the anti-MMR campaign (with wide and alarmist media coverage from 2001), Britain had a mumps epidemic starting in 2004, with reported cases in the tens of thousands. Goldacre reminds us that, before… ]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2016 12:39:53 +1300 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356293#post356293 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356293#post356293 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 11:53:15 +1300 B Jones https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356275#post356275 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356275#post356275 They give it in 3rd trimester because that's when most antibodies are passed over, not because it's less safe at other times. The protection fades if you give it too early.

Has anyone properly considered the possibility of reverse vampires? I bet they won't release that data.

]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2016 07:08:07 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356271#post356271 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356271#post356271 Another conspiracy theory doing the rounds is blaming microcephaly on maternal immunistation.

Ah,...the TDap vac....given to pregnant women in the hope that it will give immunity to newborns to whooping cough. Dreadful disease, pertussis, and very difficult to immunise babies and young children against. The old vaccine...did give good cover…

]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2016 23:45:26 +1300 B Jones https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356268#post356268 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356268#post356268 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 22:03:10 +1300 David Hood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356267#post356267 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356267#post356267 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:59:29 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356266#post356266 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356266#post356266 banning of DDT

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDT

It's like the greenies getting blamed for the Pike River disaster.

]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:57:01 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356265#post356265 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356265#post356265 NOAEL refers to “no-observed-adverse-effect level,”

Always makes me laugh when the agrichemical fans say "look at the NOAEL!"...as if there is nothing to worry about providing the contaminated don't more or less immediately keel over.

All's good here...

]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:49:25 +1300 David Hood https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356263#post356263 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356263#post356263 Here is orac from sciblogs on the lavacide theory

http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2016/02/15/say-it-aint-so-george-george-takei-falls-for-a-zika-virus-conspiracy-theory/

]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:42:48 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356262#post356262 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356262#post356262 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:31:54 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356253#post356253 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356253#post356253 I'm glad you posted that Hilary...my initial instinct when I read that was....hmmm...that sounds a lot more likely than a virus attributable effect...but...I suspect that this possible explanation will be discredited because these are doctors who belong to an agrichemical action group...

The chemical, which is known as Pyriproxyfen, was…

]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2016 19:51:58 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356229#post356229 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356229#post356229 http://www.techtimes.com/articles/133548/20160214/monsanto-larvicide-not-zika-virus-true-cause-of-brazils-microcephaly-outbreak-doctors.htm ]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:38:40 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356065#post356065 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356065#post356065 This study looks at workers from southern Brazil

and from what I've read, conditions for workers in the NE are poorly monitored.

]]> Sat, 13 Feb 2016 18:57:46 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356063#post356063 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356063#post356063 Will be an even bigger battle to ban these chemicals when the TPPA is ratified

A ban would be just about impossible.

What would be good is that the rules and regulations that already apply to the use of agrichemicals were actually enforced. They are not.

Under TPP....like all the…

]]> Sat, 13 Feb 2016 13:36:23 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356061#post356061 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356061#post356061 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:45:55 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356059#post356059 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356059#post356059 If anyone has any good information on current use of this fungicide in NZ I would be interested.

Oh...and Grandma's favourite rose spray....from Kiwicare, no less...but I see it has been 'discontinued', for obvious reasons.

Replaced with a brand new product...Plant Health Rose Force....why do they go for such powerful…

]]> Sat, 13 Feb 2016 08:43:39 +1300 Angela Hart https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356057#post356057 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356057#post356057 So… the blurb is saying apply this to your pasture, it’s perfectly safe and saves a lot of hassle, but the stuff is an environmental hazard and toxic to humans.
We are in New Zealand aren’t we?

She'll be right. Yeah. Right.

]]> Sat, 13 Feb 2016 08:32:32 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356056#post356056 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356056#post356056 It has certainly not been for sale for domestic use through garden centres for a very long time. I can’t see it available for commercial use. I think it was banned after the evidence for birth injuries became clear

1. Carbendazim for sale at RD1.

2. Safety Data Sheet for…

]]> Sat, 13 Feb 2016 08:12:40 +1300 Susan Snowdon https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356055#post356055 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356055#post356055 here in NZ there is still widespread use of a significantly mutagenic fungicide…a benomyl derivative.

Rosemary, I don't believe Benlate (or Benomyl) is available in New Zealand now. It has certainly not been for sale for domestic use through garden centres for a very long time. I can't see it…

]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2016 23:03:34 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356054#post356054 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356054#post356054 mutagenic pesticides banned elsewhere

I was going to bring that up....one report I read from a pesticide awareness group from 1999 had the rate of reported miscarriage among agricultural and horticultural workers in the Pernambuco region as 73%...The stats for reported birth defects (sorry Hilary, its not a nice term)…

]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2016 21:52:58 +1300 linger https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356051#post356051 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356051#post356051 Latest theory seems to be that the Zika virus is mutating so that it is taken up more easily by the mosquito and is more infectious to humans
Yes, comparing the Brazilian outbreak to its earlier spread through Asia (mild effects only; this is attributed, speculatively, to previous vaccination programmes…

]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2016 17:36:27 +1300 Ian Dalziel https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356017#post356017 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356017#post356017 it appears there are many ‘angles’ dancing on these 'pinheads'….

luckily the quantity of possible ‘angels’ has been fully examined:
http://www.improbable.com/airchives/paperair/volume7/v7i3/angels-7-3.htm
…eventually they will get to the point!

]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2016 06:58:21 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356014#post356014 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=356014#post356014 The Scientist reports...

A review of four years’ worth of medical records finds far greater numbers of microcephaly cases from before the ongoing Zika virus epidemic than had been officially reported.

and references this Lancet article which suggests that..

Although there is evidence of an increased number of cases of…

]]> Thu, 11 Feb 2016 22:31:00 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355954#post355954 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355954#post355954 Latest theory seems to be that

....the rate of microcephaly now being seen in Brazil is about the same rate as in the USA....

Very interesting blog from an actual virologist.

Possible Association Between Zika Virus Infection and Microcephaly — Brazil, 2015

Reads as though some great data may finally…

]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2016 22:09:04 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355949#post355949 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355949#post355949 Latest theory seems to be that the Zika virus is mutating so that it is taken up more easily by the mosquito and is more infectious to humans.

Meanwhile new polio cases have appeared in Pakistan/Afghanistan when it finally appeared a few months ago to be eradicated. I find the…

]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2016 20:23:17 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355863#post355863 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355863#post355863 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 08:30:15 +1300 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355862#post355862 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355862#post355862 – but it costs about $200.

I thought it was free if you were er of a certain age?

]]> Tue, 09 Feb 2016 08:03:21 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355861#post355861 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355861#post355861 I meant different virus from Zika – ie the shingles/chickenpox Varicella zoster virus stays in the body and can emerge at times of immune stress.

On the first exposure you will get chickenpox and have some immunity but decades later an exposure of someone who has already had chickenpox can…

]]> Tue, 09 Feb 2016 07:59:52 +1300 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355860#post355860 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355860#post355860 If Zika has been widespread in Africa for forty plus years, and Zika is the cause of the rather large spike of babies born with micocephaly in Brazil

As Linger said, that is because African women are already immune by the time they ever get pregnant.

There almost certainly was…

]]> Tue, 09 Feb 2016 07:52:32 +1300 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355859#post355859 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355859#post355859 That is a different type of virus

No it is the same virus – it’s just that after 50 or so years the immunity you developed as a child degrades enough to allow the virus to reemerge.

Oh and there is a free vaccine for us old folks – just…

]]> Tue, 09 Feb 2016 07:47:40 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355858#post355858 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355858#post355858 As one would expect; an intelligent, measured, sensitive piece about the disadvantage those with disabilities in general, and microcephaly in particular, face in Brazil.

From Al Jazeera

]]> Mon, 08 Feb 2016 22:32:03 +1300 linger https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355837#post355837 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355837#post355837 You’re right that chickenpox isn’t a perfect protection against shingles (if you get it before 18 months of age, or if your immune system is weakened, it can reactivate as shingles in later life), but they are caused by the same virus:
Shingles is due to a reactivation of varicella…

]]> Mon, 08 Feb 2016 12:54:27 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355835#post355835 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355835#post355835 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 12:47:09 +1300 linger https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355834#post355834 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355834#post355834 there must surely be a corresponding rate of microcephaly in the babies of African women infected with Zika No, for the same reason that we don’t have a high incidence of shingles in the adult population (i.e., most people get chicken pox in childhood and thereby become immune).
Where Zika…

]]> Mon, 08 Feb 2016 12:27:47 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355827#post355827 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355827#post355827 and appears to lead to microcephaly.

I could find no reference, anywhere, that prior to this current outbreak of Zika in Brazil that the Zika virus causes microcephly in the unborn babies of infected pregnant women.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-brazilian-doctors-who-sounded-alarm-on-zika-and-microcephaly-1454109620

If Zika has been widespread in Africa for forty plus years, and Zika…

]]> Mon, 08 Feb 2016 11:39:40 +1300 Bart Janssen https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355823#post355823 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355823#post355823 After an exhaustive websearch, well into the wee hours, I can find no mention of a link between the Zika virus and microcephaly prior to the recent reports.

What was extremely prominent was the ‘conspiracy theory’ that there is some link between the release of the Bill Gates GE super…

]]> Mon, 08 Feb 2016 10:02:11 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355775#post355775 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355775#post355775 Rosemary might be right and it is not quite as straightforward.

or she may be wrong...

This article says that Zika could be similar to the cytomegalovirus..."CMV"

About one in 750 children in the United States is born with or develops permanent problems due to CMV infection during pregnancy, according…

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 13:37:51 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355772#post355772 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355772#post355772 I've no idea. But it seems to be a growing fear. Of course, Rosemary might be right and it is not quite as straightforward.

As a historian of polio and autism I find the parallels with the current 'Zika-caused microcephaly crisis' fascinating.

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 13:06:54 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355770#post355770 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355770#post355770 Breathe easy...MoPI is on the case.

In 2015, four live female Aedes-aegypti were caught by MPI officers in Auckland.

Three were found at Auckland International Airport and one was found in a container of pineapples from the Philippines at Turners and Growers in Auckland.

I wonder if anyone from MoPI…

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 12:19:43 +1300 mpledger https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355768#post355768 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355768#post355768 Hilary wrote:
the main effect of Zika Virus infection seems to be the risk of microcephaly to babies born to infected mothers.

Once a women is infected does that mean she is forever at risk of giving birth to a child with microcephaly?

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 10:53:02 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355765#post355765 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355765#post355765 After an exhaustive websearch, well into the wee hours, I can find no mention of a link between the Zika virus and microcephaly prior to the recent reports.

What was extremely prominent was the 'conspiracy theory' that there is some link between the release of the Bill Gates GE super…

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 10:38:56 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355762#post355762 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355762#post355762 A scare story in the media but at least some facts at the end
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/76653438/teenager-feared-to-have-zika-virus-after-tonga-holiday

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 09:56:47 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355759#post355759 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355759#post355759 Given that we’ve never had a confirmed outbreak of dengue or similar viruses in NZ I think it’s reasonable to behave as if the local mosquitoes are safe,

This is almost entirely down to luck....

file:///C:/Users/User/Desktop/Derraik&Slaney-EcoHealth_2007.pdf

Nonetheless, to date, there has not been a confirmed, indigenously acquired arboviral infection in…

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:21:53 +1300 linger https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355758#post355758 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355758#post355758 Ae. albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito) is one of the bloodsuckers I live with in Japan, though fortunately not active all year round in my area. It is listed as one of the 100 most invasive species worldwide; it already has invaded NZ on several occasions and been re-eradicated, and… ]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 21:53:35 +1300 Thomas Lumley https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355757#post355757 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355757#post355757 It's true that Ae. aegypti is relatively unlikely to establish in NZ at the moment. Ae. albopictus probably could but so far hasn't (and would face a major biosecurity response if it tried)

There are other Aedes species that do live in NZ, and it's conceivable that they could transmit…

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 21:29:35 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355751#post355751 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355751#post355751 She was in NZ last year and did a great interview on disability on Radio NZ.

Here

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 16:21:46 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355750#post355750 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355750#post355750 I know you can’t rely on information found online

But we can trust MoPI, surely?

MPI's Gilbert was bullish at the forum, saying New Zealand's policies are world-leading and he has all the budget that he needs. "I actually feel very comfortable about resourcing." But there is a change of…

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 16:15:45 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355748#post355748 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355748#post355748 And even a single sighting would mean a massive biosecurity response.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/295770/zika-cases-on-the-rise-in-nz

Routine border inspections at Auckland International Airport have picked up three mosquitos of the type which carry the Zika virus, on three occasions, in the past 12 months.
Ministry for Primary Industries manager of detection technology Brett Hickman…

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 15:51:09 +1300 Angela Hart https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355747#post355747 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355747#post355747 I hope you're right. I know you can't rely on information found online but according to Wikipedia

A mosquito population capable of carrying the Zika virus has been found in a Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and genetic evidence suggests they survived at least the last four winters in…

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 15:46:21 +1300 George Darroch https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355745#post355745 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355745#post355745 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 15:37:12 +1300 Angela Hart https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355744#post355744 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355744#post355744 if NZ is safe from direct transmission, it’s thanks to biosecurity as well as climate and distance.

There are a number of types of mozzie which can spread this and it's likely that our climate would/does support some of them. I doubt we are safe from direct transmission, although our…

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 15:30:14 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355743#post355743 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355743#post355743 Huffington Post considering the implications for abortion rights.
I was pleased to see this quote from Rosemarie Garland-Thompson included.

“Somehow, what got written into the idea of reproductive choice and freedom is the assumption no woman is prepared or would want to parent a child with a disability."

She was…

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 13:56:22 +1300 Thomas Lumley https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355739#post355739 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355739#post355739 Very informative.

My understanding was that the primary mosquito responsible ( Aedes aegyptii ) could survive in Northland but has been kept out by biosecurity. The WHO says that Aedes albopictus, which could live in Auckland if it got here, can also spread Zika.

That is, if NZ is safe…

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 13:06:05 +1300 Steve Barnes https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355738#post355738 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355738#post355738 it appears that the link between zika & microcephaly is really pretty weak.

This is the conclusion that I have come to after reading about it for a few weeks. However, your link is far from an accredited source.

This from the New York Times is a little less…

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 12:57:48 +1300 Ian Dalziel https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355737#post355737 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355737#post355737 Another fact readers might find interesting is that microcephalics were displayed as ‘pin-heads’ alongside other human curiosities during the freak show era.

wer'e still in it...

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 12:55:03 +1300 Martin https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355736#post355736 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355736#post355736 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 11:29:49 +1300 Ian Dalziel https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355733#post355733 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355733#post355733 ...but also a massive recent rise in incidence, by the looks:
One might also wonder about the causes of that ...
– local temperature rise (El Nino)?
– clearing of forestry changing habitat for mosquitoes?
– did they have a 'mast' year too
many shifting elements to consider...

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 10:24:17 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355731#post355731 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355731#post355731 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 10:10:52 +1300 John Small https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355730#post355730 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355730#post355730 https://jonrappoport.wordpress.com/page/2/ ]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 10:10:24 +1300 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355728#post355728 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355728#post355728 is it only because the West might be attending the Olympics that has got the ‘powers that be’ on to doing something?

Possibly – but also a massive recent rise in incidence, by the looks:

The BBC is reporting that in Brazil, the number of babies born with suspected microcephaly,…

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 09:53:01 +1300 Ian Dalziel https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355726#post355726 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355726#post355726 When do things come to a head...
Zika cases have been reported in the Pacific islands (Samoa, Cook Islands, Vanuatu) for 3 years with no one getting too alarmed it seems – is it only because the West might be attending the Olympics that has got the 'powers that be'…

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 09:38:15 +1300 Hebe https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355721#post355721 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355721#post355721 We as a family are especially concerned about the zika situation in Brazil. Our son and Brazilian daughter-in-law are awaiting the imminent birth of their first baby in Australia. They are planning to visit Brazil late this year to see the family.

Thanks for the piece Hilary. Solid information is…

]]> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 00:06:45 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355719#post355719 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355719#post355719 Fri, 05 Feb 2016 22:47:26 +1300 George Darroch https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355718#post355718 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355718#post355718 Great article Hillary. There's some evidence of sexual transmission, so NZ is not completely safe from local transmission, though imported cases are likely to be a much bigger problem. Aedes mosquitos are not found in NZ.

Incidentally the link between zika and microcephaly has not been definitively proven, but the…

]]> Fri, 05 Feb 2016 22:09:22 +1300 LIISA https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355717#post355717 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355717#post355717 The Conversation too. ]]> Fri, 05 Feb 2016 21:47:16 +1300 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355713#post355713 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355713#post355713 Fri, 05 Feb 2016 21:05:30 +1300 Public Address https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355712#post355712 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-zika-and-microcephaly-things-to-know/?p=355712#post355712 Discussion from blog post.

]]> Fri, 05 Feb 2016 21:05:29 +1300