Mosquitoes are a fact of life in Florida. Usually, a mosquito bite is nothing more than a nuisance, but recently the escalating threat of the Zika virus have elevated mosquitoes to a serious cause for concern.
An epidemic of Zika fever in Brazil in 2015 caused the World Health Organization to declare that Zika was a “public health emergency of international concern.” At that time, there were no Zika cases in the United States that had been transmitted locally by mosquitoes. In July 2016, however, Florida reported its first locally transmitted cases, making it the first state to report local infections. As of March 2017, Florida had reported 215 locally transmitted cases. There are more than 5,000 known cases in the U.S.
There is no treatment or vaccine for the Zika virus. Though mild and treatable for most people, the virus can have devastating consequences for an unborn child, including the birth defect microcephaly. In March 2017, a new study identified nine patients from Venezuela who presented with heart problems shortly after coming down with Zika virus symptoms. The study is viewed as preliminary.
Although it is difficult to stop the migration of Zika-carrying mosquitoes, you can take steps to protect yourself from them. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the following:
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window/door screens
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin
• Pregnant women should avoid areas of concern indicated on the CDC website
Keep in mind that Zika can also be sexually transmitted.
There are also steps you can take to control mosquitoes outside of your home. “Reducing sources of standing water is crucial,” said Jim Maler, president of All Florida Pest Control. “Inspect items such as buckets, planters and trash containers, and either empty, scrub, turn over, cover or throw them away once a week.”
By preventing mosquito bites the spread of Zika can be controlled. For more information, contact Jim Maler at Jmaler@AllFloridaPests.com.
