UC Davis Forum To Dispel Myths, Spread Facts About Zika Virus

DAVIS (CBS13) — As health leaders work to stop the spread of the Zika virus, UC Davis health officials plan to host a public forum to separate fact from fiction.

They want to make sure there isn't a question about the virus that goes unanswered.

The rise in the birth defect known as microcephaly has been linked to the Zika virus, and it's something on the mind or Sacramento mom Leah Thyberg.

"It's worrisome for us," she said. "I want to stay safe and i want our babies to be healthy."

But a group of doctors in Brazil now says the recent surge of microcephaly may instead be linked to the larvicide used to kill mosquitoes in South America. Parts of Brazil have even suspended the use of pyriproxyfen—something that's been used in the United States for decades.

"It's really an irresponsible rumor," UC Davis Dr. Dean Blumberg said.

He rejects the idea, saying there's no scientific evidence connecting the chemical with the birth defect.

"The clinical effects that we see on the children—small heads—those are much more consistent with an infection during pregnancy than any type of toxin exposure, and so it really doesn't make any sense," he said.

Debunking myths like that are exactly what he plans to do when he moderates an upcoming public forum on the Zika virus.

The UC Davis Medical Center is so inundated with questions on the topic. Pediatricians and gynecologists are collaborating with public health officials and vector borne disease experts to separate fact from fiction.

Experts will elaborate on what you need to know to avoid the virus.

The forum is at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the UC Davis MIND Institute, 2825 50th Street