In the footsteps of Zika… approaching the unknown from Coursera

Welcome !

Welcome to this on-demand MOOC “In the footsteps of Zika… approaching the unknown”.

This MOOC has been produced by Université de Genève (www.unige.ch), Institut Pasteur (www.pasteur.fr), Université Paris Descartes (www.parisdescartes.fr) and Centre Virchow-Villermé (virchowvillerme.eu).

With the help of the intervention of faculty members and international experts, we will explore together the recent Zika phenomenon, a previously rare benign virus that recently turned unexpectedly into the limelight when on the 1st of February 2016 it was declared by the WHO as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

As this outbreak is still ongoing and under close investigation, this MOOC has the opportunity to be an open learning experience that will follow the marked developments and new discoveries over time. This MOOC will bring you to the heart of the Zika outbreak and invite you to this adventure in uncharted territories.

Moreover, we invite you to join the interactive dialogue among participants and facilitators through a community of practice, which promotes questions, critical thinking, participatory learning, as well as interrelated and ongoing collaborative information.

Let us learn hand in hand all together to go further in finding clues and eventually solutions!

Course description

This interdisciplinary course is divided into 8 modules available in 4 languages (subtitles in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish).

Each module is organized around a central topic that will help those who take the course to develop their skills and knowledge. Each module provides

- interviews with specialists

- quizes

- recommended readings

- online videos and web links.

This MOOC will cover a range of topics, such as epidemiology, historical and geographical dispersion of the virus and its vectors through globalization and climate change, its modes of transmission, but also the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. The different types of preventive measures will be also covered.

A special module will focus on possible neurological adverse effects such as the risk for birth defects (microcephaly) in pregnant women, while another one will examine the peripheral nerve paralysis called the Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The fact that Zika presents a significant threat to political and economic stabilities and thus reinforces social inequity through South America will be addressed.

The revolution in cultural, religious, and legal norms in front of the expansion of Zika will be also debated.

Finally, the last two modules will state the role, recommendations and response measures of policy makers and public health organizations under the light of medias.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introducing Zika virus, its vectors and its hosts

Module 1 introduces Zika virus as a whole. In this module you will increase your knowledge about the virus, its life cycle, its possible mutation, and its transmission patterns through different vectors and hosts (mosquitoes and human beings). You will learn also about its discovery and the possible origin of the current outbreak that started in Brazil and spread out through South America. Finally, we will discover together the strategy developed by this virus to develop and evolve to survive. Prof. Duane Gubler will start by talking about the Emergence of Zika virus and its different hosts and vectors, followed by Dr. Anna-Bella Failloux who will make you discover the cycle of Zika virus and its vectors, all travelling together. Finally, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove will close this module by covering the sexual transmission of Zika virus and its persistency in body fluids.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops an understanding of the Zika virus and its transmission, including its vectors, hosts, and origins

Examines the spread of the Zika virus, including the role of globalization and climate change

Provides practical knowledge on vector prevention and control methods

Covers the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Zika virus infection

Explores the neurological adverse effects of Zika virus, including microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome

Highlights the inequity in exposure to and outcomes of Zika virus infection, particularly in poor and marginalized communities

Presents the perspectives of the World Health Organization and other international organizations on the Zika virus outbreak

Examines the role of media in shaping the public perception and response to the Zika virus outbreak

Taught by experts in virology, epidemiology, and global health from the University of Geneva, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Descartes, and Centre Virchow-Villermé

Offered in multiple languages (English, French, Portuguese, Spanish) to make it accessible to a global audience

Reviews summary

Multidisciplinary insights on the zika phenomenon

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary look at the Zika outbreak. Students particularly appreciated the contributions from international experts and faculty members, offering diverse perspectives spanning scientific, social, economic, and political dimensions. The course structure, featuring interviews, quizzes, readings, and videos across eight modules, is seen as well-organized for exploring the topic. While highly relevant at the time of its release, potential learners should be aware that the information may now be somewhat dated given the nature of a rapidly evolving public health issue discussed in 2016-2017.

Well-organized into logical modules.

"The division into eight modules made the complex topic manageable and easy to follow."

"Quizzes helped reinforce key concepts and check my understanding along the way."

"The recommended readings and videos supplemented the core lectures effectively."

Features valuable insights from specialists.

"The interviews with international experts added significant depth and credibility to the material."

"Hearing directly from specialists working on the ground was a major highlight for me."

"The diverse range of expert voices provided a well-rounded understanding of the issues."

Covers diverse aspects of the Zika phenomenon.

"I appreciated how the course covered not just the science, but also the social, economic, and political impacts."

"Learning about the inequities related to Zika exposure was particularly eye-opening and valuable."

"The modules went beyond typical biological aspects, exploring media influence and policy responses."

May not reflect the latest developments.

"Given the course focuses on a specific outbreak timeline (2016-2017), some info might be superseded."

"While the foundational knowledge is good, I'd need to seek external resources for the most current research."

"The context of it being an 'ongoing outbreak' at the time means some aspects are historical now."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in In the footsteps of Zika… approaching the unknown with these activities:

Explore the Zika virus

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Familiarize yourself with the basics of Zika virus.

Browse courses on Zika Virus

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Watch the 'Zika Virus: What You Need to Know' video from the World Health Organization.
Read the 'Zika Virus' article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Explore the 'Zika Virus' website from the National Institutes of Health.

Review 'Z: The Virus That Changed the World' by Charles Calisher

Show steps

Take a deeper dive into the history and impact of Zika virus by reading one of the seminal works on the topic.

View Manson's Tropical Diseases: Expert Consult Basic on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3 to gain an understanding of the history of Zika virus and its global spread
Read chapter 6 for a detailed overview of the clinical manifestations of Zika virus infection
Read chapter 8 to learn about the current state of Zika virus research and prevention efforts

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete In the footsteps of Zika… approaching the unknown will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Medical Writer

As a Medical Writer, you will relay often-complex medical information in a way that is easy to understand for different audiences. You will need to be able to research, analyze, and accurately convey scientific information. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course is strongly related to the work you may do. It will help you to gain the knowledge and understanding of the Zika virus and related diseases that you need to write about these topics accurately and effectively.

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Epidemiologist

As an Epidemiologist, you will play a crucial role in investigating and preventing disease outbreaks. You will need to analyze and interpret data, evaluate risks, and develop strategies for prevention and control. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course can be very useful, as it will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field. You will learn about the Zika virus, its transmission, and its impact on public health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Public Health Nurse

As a Public Health Nurse, you will work to promote health and prevent disease in communities. You will need to assess health needs, develop and implement health programs, and provide education and counseling to individuals and families. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may help you develop some of the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field. You will learn about the Zika virus, its transmission, and its impact on public health. You will also learn about public health nursing interventions that can be used to prevent and control the spread of Zika.

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Physician Assistant

As a Physician Assistant, you will work under the supervision of a physician to provide medical care to patients. You will need to be able to diagnose and treat illnesses, perform procedures, and provide patient education. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may help you develop some of the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field. You will learn about the Zika virus, its transmission, and its impact on public health. You will also learn about the role of physician assistants in providing care to patients with Zika virus infection.

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Laboratory Technician

As a Laboratory Technician, you will conduct experiments, analyze data, and maintain laboratory equipment. You will need to be able to follow protocols, use laboratory equipment, and troubleshoot problems. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may help you develop some of the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field. You will learn about the Zika virus, its transmission, and its impact on public health. You will also learn about the laboratory tests that are used to diagnose and monitor Zika virus infection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laboratory Technician

Health Educator

As a Health Educator, you will work to promote health and prevent disease in communities. You will need to develop and implement health education programs, provide information to the public, and advocate for healthy policies. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may help you develop some of the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this field. You will learn about the Zika virus, its transmission, and its impact on public health. You will also learn about health education interventions that can be used to prevent and control the spread of Zika.

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Registered Nurse

As a Registered Nurse, you will provide care to patients in a variety of settings. You will need to be able to assess health needs, develop and implement care plans, and provide patient education. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may be useful in helping you learn about the role of nurses in providing care to patients with Zika virus infection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse

Pharmacist

As a Pharmacist, you will dispense medications and provide information to patients about their medications. You will need to be able to understand and interpret prescriptions, counsel patients on medication use, and monitor for drug interactions. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may be useful in helping you learn about the role of pharmacists in providing care to patients with Zika virus infection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Health Policy Analyst

As a Health Policy Analyst, you will research and analyze health policies and their impact on the population. You will need to be able to understand and interpret data, evaluate policies, and develop recommendations for policy changes. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may be useful in helping you learn about the role of health policy analysts in developing and implementing policies to prevent and control the spread of Zika virus.

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Health Administrator

As a Health Administrator, you will manage and oversee the delivery of health care services. You will need to be able to plan and budget for health care programs, manage staff, and evaluate the quality of care. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may be useful in helping you learn about the role of health administrators in developing and implementing policies to prevent and control the spread of Zika virus.

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Nonprofit Manager

As a Nonprofit Manager, you will lead and manage a nonprofit organization. You will need to be able to develop and implement programs, manage staff, and fundraising. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may be useful in helping you learn about the role of nonprofit organizations in providing care and support to people affected by Zika virus and in advocating for policies to prevent and control the spread of the virus.

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Science Writer

As a Science Writer, you will communicate complex scientific information to a lay audience. You will need to be able to write clearly and concisely, and you will need to have a strong understanding of the scientific process. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may be useful in helping you learn about the Zika virus and its impact on public health.

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Biostatistician

As a Biostatistician, you will use statistical methods to analyze data in the field of biology. You will need to be able to design and conduct studies, analyze data, and interpret results. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may be useful in helping you learn about the role of biostatisticians in studying the Zika virus and its impact on public health.

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Virologist

As a Virologist, you will study viruses and their impact on human health. You will need to be able to conduct experiments, analyze data, and interpret results. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may be useful in helping you learn about the Zika virus and its impact on public health.

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Medical Researcher

As a Medical Researcher, you will conduct research to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. You will need to be able to design and conduct studies, analyze data, and interpret results. The In the Footsteps of Zika… Approaching the Unknown course may be useful in helping you learn about the Zika virus and its impact on public health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Researcher