The Zika virus has caused heartache and fear on a global scale. This scare has made individuals wary of traveling for fear of catching the virus and unknown complications that arise alongside it.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Zika virus is a disease that is spread through the bites of infected mosquitos and is now being transmitted sexually. The virus first emerged in Brazil in May of 2015. Since then, it has spread throughout South and Central America, as well as Mexico.

While the virus is not deadly, it has disastrous affects on pregnant women. When a mother is infected with the Zika virus, her baby becomes susceptible to birth defects such as microcephaly, causing the baby to be born with a smaller-than-normal head and having other medical complications. There is no cure for this disorder and no known vaccines to cure the Zika virus.

St. Dominic prides itself on having students who volunteer on mission trips each summer. However, some students are unable to travel due to the risk of catching the Zika virus. Senior Erin Prendergast cannot go on her annual mission trip to Haiti due to the lack of information regarding the disease. She does not want to risk having any unknown long-term effects from the Zika virus.

“It’s really disappointing that a virus is keeping me from going because nothing has ever stopped me from going before, like nerves have never gotten to me. And I’ve been waiting for that moment to go because I’m in love with going there and helping others and not being able to go is breaking my heart,” said Prendergast.

Some realize their plans may be disrupted but for now nothing has changed; like senior Leah Garland, who still plans on going to Honduras this summer to run Vacation Bible Schools for children and help in medical clinics.

“We’re still planning on going, so it hasn’t really affected my plans yet, though it’s still a possibility,” said Garland.

St. Dominic sends their prayers and thoughts towards all those affected by the Zika virus. In times of crisis like this, the world must stay united and hope that a vaccine will be developed soon.