KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — It’s the latest disease to worry about, but one local virologist doesn’t think the Zika Virus, which has become a major issue in South and Central America, will become a big problem for Michigan.
Dr. Kareem Asani, who teaches biology at Western Michigan University, said the type of mosquito that carries the virus needs a warmer climate to survive.
“In Michigan, I really don’t see much problem,” Asani said.
But that’s not to say that we won’t see a few cases of Zika in the area. One case has already been found in Minnesota.
Asani said it may make women who are pregnant, or thinking of having children, to alter their travel plans until they find a vaccine. While it has not been proven, it’s strongly suspected the virus causes extreme birth defects, shrinking the heads of newborn victims.
– John McNeill
