Sarah Glickman

4/17/16
Reflection
Zika virus is becoming more prevalent in society, as the virus is actively being
transmitted around the world. Current research is exploring the complications that may result
from infection, and there are updates almost weekly in the news. This topic is a healthcare
problem that needs to be addressed due to its prevalence and severity. The general public does
not have sufficient awareness or understanding of the problem, which is why we chose to make
an educational brochure to be given to patients.
To present the topic of Zika virus to a public audience, primarily patients, we wanted to
utilize a medium that was available to as many associated individuals as possible. A brochure is
one of the most accessible ways to convey factual information, particularly as this virus is
common in areas without access to computers. The use of bullet points, colors, fonts, visuals,
and borders allows for a captivating presentation of vital healthcare details. The brochure
background color is yellow, with a red border. The use of the bright red color immediately draws
the focus of the viewer, with the borders outlining the urgency of the information. The contrast
between this outstanding red and the mellow yellow background tone naturally brings the
viewers attention toward the softer-to-view interior, where the information was strategically
placed.
To hook readers, the front page has a picture of a mosquito, as well as the words Zika
Virus accompanied by a large and intimidating red germ, drawing attention to the Zika virus
itself, and the method of transmission. If viewers who do have access to the internet, the back
page lists different sites to visit in order to learn more about the current research, and answer
other questions that may not be included in the brochure. However, for the many affected

individuals without such access, the brochure provides all vital information. The inclusion of
these alternate resources allows the brochure to provide as much possible information the widest
possible audience. The middle of the brochure contains the main teaching points for patients,
such as discussing what Zika virus is, where it is found, who is at risk, signs and symptoms,
diagnosis, treatment, prevention, current research, and risks related to pregnancy. The order of
information is also presented in a logical way, starting with broad information and ending with
more specific details. Each section has a concise topic sentence, with only a few bullet points, as
to not overwhelm the reader. The inclusion of many pictures and the use of an easy-to-read font
allows for all individuals to benefit from the material, even if literacy skills are low. The
sections are clearly separated from one another with the use of clear and appropriate titles. The
blue font used for these titles differentiate them from the rest of the text, as well as from the rest
of the brochure. This accentuation allows readers to easily locate primary topics, providing the
most efficient access to the information they desire.
The brochure could be distributed to patients at any healthcare setting, such as hospitals,
doctors offices, clinics, etc. The supply of these materials need not be limited to medical
settings, and may be provided in schools, town halls, and more to get the information out before
individuals are affected. Patients who are at most risk, such as those returning from travel,
pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and those who live in infected areas should be
given access to this information.
My group worked quite well together. Because Rachel had done most of this research
already, the rest of us primarily focused on the design aspect. However, all of us worked to
transform the information from a scholarly and professional audience to a public audience. We

met as a group multiple times to both delegate responsibilities and collaborate on ideas. Overall,
I thought we worked together to create an efficient and effective piece of public writing.
Professional Portfolio Note:
Even though this is a different topic than compassion fatigue, which I had researched all
semester, this brochure about Zika Virus shows my ability to design a document written for a
public audience. My portfolio is geared towards nurses, so any healthcare topic is relevant to
include.

References
1. [Areas with Current or Past Evidence of Zika]. (2016, February 9). Retrieved February 27,
2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/health/what-is-zika-virus.html?
_r=1
2. Areas with Zika. (2016, February 9). Retrieved February 19, 2016, from
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html
3. Dearden, L. (2016, February 4). Zika virus: What is it, what does it cause and how bad can it
get? Retrieved April 08, 2016, from http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-andfamilies/health-news/zika-virus-uk-america-europe-symptoms-cure-pregnant-womenmicrocephaly-a6851126.html
4. Diagnostic testing. (2016, April 5). Retrieved April 6, 2016, from Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/hc-providers/diagnostic.html
5. Don't breed mosquitoes. (2012, July 12). Retrieved April 8, 2016, from the drollery. website:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/
6. Facts about Microcephaly. (2016, February 12). Retrieved February 19, 2016, from
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/microcephaly.html/
7. For health professionals: Zika virus. (2016, April 4). Retrieved April 6, 2016, from
Government of Canada website: http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/diseases-conditionsmaladies-affections/disease-maladie/zika-virus/professionals-professionnels-eng.php
8. Government cautions women to avoid pregnancy due to threat of Zika virus - News. (n.d.).
Retrieved April 10, 2016, from http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Governmentcautions-women-to-avoid-pregnancy-due-to-threat-of-Zika-virus_48558
9. Instructions for Submitting Diagnostic Specimens to the DVBD Arbovirus Diagnostic
Laboratory. (n.d.). Retrieved April 15, 2016, from
http://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/specimensub/arboviral-shipping.html
10. Mcneil, D. G., Louis, C. S., & St, N. (2016, March 18). Short Answers to Hard Questions
About Zika Virus. Retrieved April 15, 2016, from
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/health/what-is-zika-virus.html?_r=1#id569ab8608020de0001000002
11. Mosquito bold - /animals/bugs/M/mosquito/mosquito_bold.png.html. (n.d.). Retrieved April
10, 2016, from
https://www.wpclipart.com/animals/bugs/M/mosquito/mosquito_bold.png.html

12. Plumer, B. (2016, February 17). Can GMO Mosquitoes Really Help Us Stop Zika? A Closer
Look. Retrieved April 15, 2016, from http://www.vox.com/2016/2/16/11022156/zikavirus-genetically-modified-mosquitoes
13. Pregnancy. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2016, from
http://www.freestockphotos.biz/stockphoto/14387
14. Question and Answers: Zika Virus Infection (Zika) and Pregnancy. (2016, February 12).
Retrieved February 19, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/questionanswers.html
15. Questions and Answers: Zika and Pregnancy. (2016, January 28). Retrieved February 19,
2016, from http://www.paho.org/hq/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=11552%3Aquestion-and-answers-zika-andpregnancy&catid=8424%3Acontent&Itemid=41711&lang=en
16. Symptoms, diagnosis, & treatment. (2016, March 11). Retrieved April 6, 2016, from Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention website:
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/index.html
17. The Zika virus origin and timeline. (2016, February 18). Retrieved April 8, 2016, from
Prepare for Zika website: http://preventthezikavirus.com/the-zika-virus-timeline/
18. WHO statement on the first meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR
2005) Emergency Committee on Zika virus and observed increase in neurological
disorders and neonatal malformations. (2016, February 1). Retrieved April 10, 2016, from
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2016/1st-emergency-committeezika/en/
19. Zika fever. (2016, March 30). Retrieved April 8, 2016, from Google website:
https://www.gstatic.com/healthricherkp/pdf/zika_fever.pdf
20. Zika Travel Information. (2016, January 26). Retrieved April 08, 2016, from
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-information
21. Zika virus. (2016, March 18). Retrieved April 6, 2016, from World Health Organization
website: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/
22. Zika virus: Potential outbreaks in Africa and southern Europe. (2016, February 15).
Retrieved April 10, 2016, from http://www.medicalchronicle.co.za/zika-virus-potentialoutbreaks-in-africa-and-southern-europe/
23. Zika Virus Causes Birth Defects, Health Officials Confirm. (2016, April 13).
Retrieved April 15, 2016, from New York Times website:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/14/health/zika-virus-causes-birth-defects-cdc.html?
_r=2