Zika: From the Brazilian Northeast to a Global Threat

A gripping account of the Zika virus outbreak and its devastating impact on Brazil and the world.

In Zika: From the Brazilian Northeast to a Global Threat, Debora Diniz, a leading Brazilian anthropologist and public health researcher, provides a comprehensive and deeply personal account of the Zika virus outbreak that swept through Brazil in 2015 and 2016. Drawing on extensive research and interviews with key players in the outbreak, Diniz offers a nuanced and compelling analysis of the virus's origins, spread, and impact, while also shedding light on the social and political factors that contributed to its devastating effects.

A Devastating Outbreak

The Zika virus first emerged in Brazil in 2015, and within months, it had spread to over 60 countries and territories around the world. The virus caused a range of symptoms, including fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, but it was particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it could cause severe birth defects, including microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and brains.

In Brazil, the Zika outbreak had a devastating impact. Over 1.5 million people were infected with the virus, and over 3,500 babies were born with microcephaly. The outbreak also led to widespread fear and panic, as people worried about the potential health risks of the virus and the impact it would have on their lives.

A Complex Web of Causes

Diniz argues that the Zika outbreak was not simply a natural disaster, but rather the result of a complex web of factors, including environmental degradation, poverty, and inadequate public health infrastructure. She highlights the role of deforestation in creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes, the lack of access to contraception and safe abortion services for women, and the failure of governments to adequately respond to the outbreak.

A Call to Action

Zika: From the Brazilian Northeast to a Global Threat is a powerful and urgent call to action. Diniz argues that the Zika outbreak is a wake-up call about the dangers of environmental degradation, poverty, and inequality, and the need for governments to take action to address these issues. She also calls for increased investment in public health research and infrastructure, and for greater access to contraception and safe abortion services for women.

A Must-Read for Anyone Concerned About Global Health

Zika: From the Brazilian Northeast to a Global Threat is a must-read for anyone concerned about global health, social justice, and the future of our planet. Diniz's powerful storytelling and rigorous analysis make this book an essential resource for understanding the Zika outbreak and its implications for the world.

Key Features

• A comprehensive and deeply personal account of the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil
• Draws on extensive research and interviews with key players in the outbreak
• Offers a nuanced and compelling analysis of the virus's origins, spread, and impact
• Sheds light on the social and political factors that contributed to the outbreak's devastating effects
• A powerful and urgent call to action for governments to address environmental degradation, poverty, and inequality