Despite the world's best efforts, Zika is mysterious. There's a lot we still don't know about it, with even some big things still unconfirmed. Worse still, a cottage industry of Zika conspiracy-theory websites have been created over the past few months, quickly spreading inaccurate information.
As such, it's not surprising that the average reader may be unsure what they actually know about Zika. And given the seriousness of the situation, that's a concern. Zika is perhaps the most concerning health issue in the world right now: A public understanding of what it is and the danger it actually poses will be key to preventing it from getting worse.
The quiz below is designed to help you test your knowledge of Zika and separate facts from rumors and misinformation.
What is Zika?
It is a birth defect.
It is a virus.
It is a type of bacteria.
It is a type of invasive insect.
When was Zika first discovered?
2015.
1947.
2007.
1952.
Who can be infected by Zika?
Infants.
Pregnant women.
Both pregnant women and infants.
Everyone.
This map shows the countries that are currently affected by the outbreak of Zika. What country is missing?
Argentina.
South Africa.
Brazil.
Chile.
The World Health Organization has declared the Zika outbreak a global public health emergency. When was the last time the WHO used this terminology?
During the HIV epidemic in the 1980s.
During the 2009 H1N1 influenza epidemic.
During the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
During the 2014 resurgence of Polio.
How many people has WHO estimated could get Zika in the next 12 months?
500,000 to 750,000.
750,000 to 1 million.
1 million to 2 million.
3 million to 4 million.
Which of the following is NOT known to be a symptom of Zika infection?
Red eyes.
A fever.
A rash.
Vomiting or coughing blood.
What percentage of people who catch Zika are believed to show symptoms?
20 percent.
50 percent.
80 percent.
100 percent.
Roughly how many adult deaths have been linked to Zika during this outbreak?
Less than 20.
between 20 and 1,000
1,000 to 10,000
10,000 plus
The recent outbreak of Zika is being linked to a rise in the number of cases of microcephaly. What is microcephaly?
A type of autism.
A neurological condition that leaves infants with unusually small heads.
A type of brain tumor.
An aggressive strain of the influenza virus.
What autoimmune disorder is also suspected of having a link to Zika?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune disorder than can result in paralysis.
Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the gut is sensitive to gluten.
Multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system.
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that leads to inflammation of the joints.
How is Zika primarily spread?
Through the air.
Through sexual activity.
Through the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Through infected water.
Recently, a Dallas resident was infected with Zika. Why was this noteworthy?
The person was the first U.S. citizen to be infected with Zika.
The person's immune system was able to fight off Zika in an unusually short amount of time.
The person had been infected with Zika through sexual intercourse.
The person had already had Zika several times.
True or false: Zika can be spread through blood transfusions.
True.
False.
Unknown.
True or false: Zika can be spread by kissing or sharing cutlery.
True.
False.
Unknown.
True or false: There is a proven link between the rise in the number of cases of microcephaly and the use of pesticides.
True.
False.
Unknown.
In response to the Zika outbreak, a number of Latin American countries have advised women to do what?
Avoid getting pregnant.
Get the Zika vaccine.
Stay indoors.
Eat more vegetables.
Which of the following statements is true?
Scientists have suggested created genetically modified mosquitoes with a "self-destruct" gene to help control Zika.
The Jamaican government released a dance hall song in a bid to raise awareness of Zika.
No vaccine exists for Zika.
All of the above.
Your score: 0 / 18
More on Zika
Zika has been linked to birth defects. Now it may be causing paralysis.
What’s really scary about the Zika virus are the things we don’t know
Why Zika is ‘much more insidious, cunning and evil’ than Ebola