Zika Forest Uganda
The virus was first isolated in April 1947 from a rhesus macaque monkey placed in a cage in the Zika Forest Uganda, near Lake Victoria, by the scientists of the Yellow Fever Research Institute. A second isolation from the mosquito A. africanus followed at the same site in January 1948.[78] When the monkey developed a fever, researchers isolated from its serum a “filterable transmissible agent” which was named Zika in 1948.
This forest has got one of the highest research towers with in the country and its 40m high of steel research tower that was repositioned from Mpanga forest 5 o years ago with the influence and funding of World Health Organization. The steel research tower has given a good platform for the Uganda Virus Research institute for carrying out the detailed research and many ecological studies in the forest. The tower is also a good spot for the tourists who aim of getting a good view of the monkeys as well as the birds in the Zika Forest. The forest will also help you enjoy a fantastic leave and a break from Entebbe and Kampala’s much urban life most especially when you want a picnic holiday. Zika is also one of those attractions you should not miss while visiting Uganda. It has got a good nature slot and this makes it among the main list of areas to visit in case you are planning a safari to the pearl of Africa and it’s not far away from Entebbe international Airport. Apart from its nature, wildlife and history, this forest has got an educational advantage most especially to students study classification and the ability to give breakthrough leisure tourists. Potus J. Carter listed this forest among the must visit attraction as he was disembarking his birding safari in Uganda . The Virus was discovered in 1947 and came from Scottish Virologist Alexander Hamilton. The virus to Uganda was carried by Aede Africanu Mosquito. However, at present, the pearl of Africa is so free from the virus. This forest is also home to the famous Uganda Virus Research Institute that researches the insects that carry diseases. It’s also an area for school children tour the 24 acre forest as well as the 40m tall research tower inside the forest