Zika In Virginia: What To Do To Stay Safe

Around this time last year, the news of the Zika virus was spreading rapidly, just like the mosquito borne disease itself. With the beginning almost upon us of this years mosquito season there are fears that Zika will be in the headlines once more.

ZIKA FEARS PERSIST AT BRINK OF ANOTHER MOSQUITO SEASON

Over the past fifteen months the CDC has learned more about the mosquito borne disease. Experts have learned that 11 percent of babies born to mothers with Zika are born with birth defects. Microcephaly is the main birth defect that is seen. It causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads. Microcephaly is also associated with incomplete brain development.

The spread of this virus initially starts with a bite from an infected mosquito, however, the virus can be transmitted via sexual intercourse. Quite often, many people do not realize that they are infected with the virus until it is too late, as symptoms can be difficult to recognize. So what exactly are the symptoms?

When it comes to protecting ourselves against mosquitoes and the potentially deadly diseases they carry, it is better to approach it with an attitude of ‘prevention is better than cure.’ What steps are you making to ensure that your family are protected from mosquitoes?

In June of 2016, the number of reported Zika cases in Virginia was on the rise.

25 cases of Zika in Virginia

The Zika virus infection is a viral disease spread to people primarily through the bites of infected mosquitoes, but sexual transmission has also been documented, he said. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on people infected with the virus. He added that the virus is spread primarily by the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. The Asian Tiger mosquito, aedes albopictus, can also spread the virus.

It’s inevitable that the numbers will rise as the warmer weather arrives and mosquitoes take flight looking for food. Don’t become another reported case. Stay safe and stay protected.