Gert van der Hoek
In Memoriam - Editor, Senior Moderator
09/12/2015
The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) said in a statement that, to date, there is no scientific evidence that links instances of neurological problems in children and the elderly to Zika virus. The note was published on social networks to deny messages circulating in WhatsApp groups. According to these texts, Fiocruz researchers found that Zika causes neurological damage to children under seven years, as cases of microcephaly, and the elderly.
"As this is an emerging disease that has not been sufficiently studied by the researchers, will arise many doubts and questions and rumors and misinformation, especially in social media. It is important at a time like this, the population seeks safe and reliable sources of information, "said the statement, issued late on Thursday (8).
According to Fiocruz, the information that the Zika virus causes damage to these two public "has no scientific basis." The foundation makes clear, however, that the Zika may result in small percentage, clinical and neurological complications in any patient, regardless of age, as well as other viruses such as chicken pox, enteroviruses and herpes.
Furthermore, the virtual message informing that there are other mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti beyond, which would be passing the Zika in Brazil. Fiocruz also denies the information, explaining that, to date, there are no scientific studies attesting to the existence of these other vectors.
Fiocruz highlights the text that works in partnership with the Ministry of Health in disease investigation and that strives for transparency and reliability of information to society.
The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) said in a statement that, to date, there is no scientific evidence that links instances of neurological problems in children and the elderly to Zika virus. The note was published on social networks to deny messages circulating in WhatsApp groups. According to these texts, Fiocruz researchers found that Zika causes neurological damage to children under seven years, as cases of microcephaly, and the elderly.
"As this is an emerging disease that has not been sufficiently studied by the researchers, will arise many doubts and questions and rumors and misinformation, especially in social media. It is important at a time like this, the population seeks safe and reliable sources of information, "said the statement, issued late on Thursday (8).
According to Fiocruz, the information that the Zika virus causes damage to these two public "has no scientific basis." The foundation makes clear, however, that the Zika may result in small percentage, clinical and neurological complications in any patient, regardless of age, as well as other viruses such as chicken pox, enteroviruses and herpes.
Furthermore, the virtual message informing that there are other mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti beyond, which would be passing the Zika in Brazil. Fiocruz also denies the information, explaining that, to date, there are no scientific studies attesting to the existence of these other vectors.
Fiocruz highlights the text that works in partnership with the Ministry of Health in disease investigation and that strives for transparency and reliability of information to society.