Experts Matter. Find Yours.

Zika – A Permanent Threat?

With the return of warm weather and mosquitoes, the Zika virus is also sure to make a comeback in the United States. Spread through the bite of a mosquito, Zika can cause fever, rash, headache, joint pain, conjunctivitis and muscle pain in those infected, and unborn children are at the highest risk. Zika – which can cause birth defects and encephalitis in unborn children – was found in pregnant woman in 44 states across America. Last year 77 unborn children died in the womb due to Zika, and 51 others were born with Zika-related birth defects in the United States alone. Furthermore, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that one in 10 pregnant women with Zika gave birth to a child with serious birth defects. Zika may be a new reality during the spring and summer, and it’s likely not going away. But what can be done? Is there a vaccine? Are there ways to prevent the spread of the virus? What should young mothers do and who is the most at risk? There are many questions and much to learn. This is where the experts at Augusta University can help. Dr. Jose Vazquez is an expert in the realm of infectious diseases. He studies and treats infectious diseases, including antibiotic-resistant superbugs and fungal infections. A leader in his field and a go-to expert for media regarding this topic, Dr. Vasquez is available to speak with media regarding the Zika virus. Click on his icon to arrange an interview. Source:

#Rio2106 – A Billion Dollar Party?

Is hosting the Summer Games worth it for an economy in shambles? On Aug. 5, the Olympic Games begin in Rio de Janiero. What should be a point of pride for Brazil has been reduced to a cause for concern and worry for athletes, tourists, and international organizers. Hosting the Olympics is not cheap. It can cost the host country billions of dollars in infrastructure costs. During the bidding process, host cities make bold promises of upgrades to transportation, modernized and safe housing for athletes and new event facilities. Brazil’s economy is currently is a serious recession. Some economists have even said that the economy in this once powerful South American nation has not been in this poor a state since 1901. Professor Tom Smith specializes in cultural economics and the economics of the arts at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. Professor Smith is available to speak to media about whether or not the economic risk of hosting the Summer Games outweighs the reward. He can also speak to the costs, benefits and long term effects can have on a country. Source: