Zika Research Projects List: A Pilot Study Examining for the Presence of Fecal Coliforms in Peruvian Water Sources and the Association of Tropical Diseases Within Peru

Abstract

Tropical diseases are continuously on the rise throughout the world as they are spreading and manifesting in various locations globally. The more prominent vector tends to be the mosquito after it bites a previously infected host. The viruses of Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue are some of the tropical diseases that are affecting large populations and expanding rapidly. Developing countries are at the highest risk because of the lack of preventive methods that are customarily demonstrated in developed countries. Sanitation issues complicate the problem as contaminated wastewater is ideal for mosquitos to lay eggs. In addition, the organic material in the wastewater serve as food for larvae. The purpose of this study is to test bodies of waters in Peru and examine if contaminated water is a contributing factor in the proportion of the population infected with Zika, Chikanguyna or Dengue.