By Elliott Brack, editor and publisher | While no one in Gwinnett has been found to be infected with the Zika virus, still there are 819 travel associated cases in the United States with this horrendous virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Georgia reports 25 travel-associated cases. New York reports the most cases, 198, while Florida counts 162, as of June 22.
Since the virus is most commonly spread through mosquito bites, each homeowner should take steps to slow the growth of mosquitoes. Use larvicide treatment in such areas as bird baths to halt breeding habitats and reduce the adult mosquito population.
Another way the Zika virus can be spread is during sex by a man infected with the Zika.
The group most at risk with the Zika virus are pregnant women. Babies whose mothers are infected with Zika during pregnancy have an increased risk. Many women infected during this outbreak have delivered healthy babies.
The CDC has suggestions to prevent mosquito bites. When in areas with Zika and other diseases spread by mosquitoes, take the following steps:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside your home.
- Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol.
- Reapply insect repellent as directed.
- Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
- If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
To protect your child from mosquito bites:
- Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than two months old.
- Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than three years old.
- Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
Standing water is the key factor in the fast growth of mosquitoes. Even water existing in such a small container as a bottle cap can breed larvae which turn into mosquitoes. The wide drought we have been going through in the Atlanta area at least produces fewer mosquitoes. Be sure to keep any outside container free of water.
Though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is concentrating on producing an agent which will slow or halt the Zika virus, so far nothing has been found.
Traveling? Visit CDC’s Travelers Health website to see if the country you plan to visit has any travel health notices. Even if they do not feel sick, travelers returning to the United States from an area with Zika should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks so they do not spread Zika to mosquitoes that could spread the virus to other people.
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