What Is The Zika Virus?

A New Health Threat To The United States

In 2016, stories of a mosquito-borne virus capable of causing microcephaly in unborn children at all stages of pregnancy swept across the United States. While this virus was not new to scientists or health agencies, it had never been a threat to the states.

The nervousness shown by the media with regard to Zika was not without warrant. Travel cases of Zika were showing up at an alarming rate, and in July of 2016 Florida Governor Rick Scott announced a state health investigation into four suspected cases of localized transmission of Zika virus in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. It was later confirmed that the localized spread of this disease was occurring in Florida, and in November it started to touch down in Brownsville, Texas. This had the CDC and agents from the World Health Organization working overtime. Fortunately, there was no significant outbreak.

In 2017, the eyes of health agencies are watching pensively to see if there will be a repeat of what happened in 2016. As of May 2017, it is reported by the Miami Herald that Miami-Dade County has paid more than $25 million to battle this virus so far. In response to the need, a U.S. Senate panel recently approved funding for $100 million directed toward mosquito control. We trust that appropriate funding will be in place when and where it will be needed, but the protection of states rests in the hands of private property owners. Mosquito abatement increases its effectiveness as more property owners, both residential and commercial, take part.

It is important to understand that Zika virus does not harm everyone who contracts it. 80% of people who contract the disease show few, or no, symptoms. But this low symptom rate may be the catalyst for a fast-moving outbreak when an outbreak takes root. It is also important to understand that an outbreak of Zika virus can happen in any state where Aedes mosquitoes are present. The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are the primary vectors for Zika, West Nile, and other medically important pathogens. While risk is low at the moment, home and business owners should err on the side of precaution.

Mosquito control service, which is also called mosquito reduction or mosquito abatement, is the frontline defense against mosquito-borne viruses. The reason mosquito control works is due to the behavior pattern of mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes do not typically travel further than 300 yards in their entire life cycle. If you are bitten by a mosquito with Zika virus If you are bitten by a mosquito with Zika virus, the mosquito likely contracted the virus nearby. While many property owners get mosquito service to noticeably reduce mosquito activity on their property, it also works to add a layer of protection for a home, a business, and a community.

There is nothing we can do to completely stop mosquito-borne viruses like Zika but every measure we take reduces the risk of exposure. Here are some things you can do to increase your level of protection:

• Stay indoors in the morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active.
• Reduce areas of still water on your property to reduce mosquito breeding.
• If you'll be sitting or lying outside, use fans to keep mosquitoes away.
• Reduce plants in your yard that draw mosquitoes in.
• If you have a bug zapper, put it away. Studies show that bug zappers are effective at drawing mosquitoes onto a property but are only efficient at killing male (non-biting) mosquitoes.
• Make sure all your screens are in good working condition.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants when possible.
• Apply mosquito repellent when possible. If you are sensitive to chemicals, consider spraying the repellent on your clothing or wearing a natural repellent with oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Refrain from drinking alcohol outside. Studies show that those who have consumed beer and, potentially, other alcoholic beverages, are more likely to be bitten than those who have not.
• Be aware that mosquitoes are drawn to sweat and increased body heat.
• Be aware that mosquito bites are more likely near a wetland, marsh, or swamp.