Book excerpt: As the Zika virus continues to spread throughout North America, people need answers. What are the origins of this virus? How does it spread? Should we be concerned? How can we stop the spread of infected mosquitos? With the increasing prevalence of Zika, concrete answers are needed now more than ever - The Zika Prevention Handbook serves as the best reference for readers to stay informed about side-effects and symptoms, and to minimize your chance of contracting the virus. The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne infection that is estimated to have originated in Africa in the mid 1940’s. In the last several years, the Zika virus has infected thousands of people around the world and has spread to over 60 countries. As of August 2016, Zika-infected mosquitoes have found a new home, the United States. The Zika virus has been reported in all 50 U.S. states, in addition to hundreds of reported cases throughout Mexico and Canada. With the assistance of infectious disease expert, Laura D. Kramer, PhD, author Alexander Webb has compiled the leading research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Whether you’re an expectant mother worried about microcephaly (a side effect of Zika that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads), planning a vacation to a tropical area, or living in an area where these contagious mosquitoes reside, this book is guaranteed to answer all your questions and ease your fears. Readers will learn about Zika’s origins, transmission of the infection, leading prevention techniques, medical testing, symptoms and diagnosis, and much more. Do yourself a favor and arm yourself with the life-saving knowledge contained in The Zika Prevention Handbook