Epidemics in Brazil

Currently, Brazilian doctors are fighting the Zika virus. The Zika epidemic began in early 2015. Ziki is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. It has been connected to microcephaly, a condition that causes babies to have small brains. Before Zika began, Brazil was already affected with the dengue epidemic, which is also spread by mosquitos.

Past Epidemics

In the late 19th and early 20th ceturies, Rio de Janeiro experienced a major Yellow Fever epidemic. Brazil has recently became the largest producer of the Yellow Fever vaccine. During the late 1920's and early 1930's, it was discovered that Yellow Fever was trasmitted by infected monkeys.

Epidemiologic Transition

Currently, the Amazon region of Brazil is undergoing an epidemiologic transition. Malaria, Hansen, and other waterborne diseases are on the decrease. Now, new health concerns include the Zika virus and immunodefiency disorders such as the HIV virus. Viruses such as dengue fever and Chagas Disease are also on the rise.

ref: qz.com