With the Summer Olympics going on in Rio, the news has been full of stories about the Zika virus and its horrible effects on people. Brazil is one of several countries with active cases of the virus, along with much of Latin America, the Caribbean and parts of the United States. Eventually, the virus will reach all nations within the Western Hemisphere except parts of Chile and Canada, where high elevation and colder climates may prevent the mosquitoes from breeding.
In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have warned travelers to avoid one area North of Miami, since the mosquitoes carrying the virus are active there. A few other areas in Florida have announced cases of the disease, including Sarasota, but the patients picked up the virus elsewhere.
Zika is transmitted via a bite from a disease-carrying mosquito and also can be transmitted sexually. Safe sex is recommended.
Zika typically produces mild symptoms of fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. But someone infected during pregnancy could suffer serious birth defects in the baby she is carrying. Most people will recover just fine from the virus. However, if you have a compromised immune system such as HIV, cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc, it pays to be careful. Treatment usually involves common pain and fever relieving medications, rest and plenty of water. However, anyone falling within a risk category should talk to their medical professionals.
The CDC has issued suggestions to protect yourself and your family from the Zika virus:
* Choose the correct, effective mosquito repellent, such as OFF®, Cutter Advanced, or Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus. Just be sure the active ingredient is DEET Apply it properly. Don’t wear the repellent under your clothes. Don’t spray it on cuts or open wounds. Be sure to spray your feet and ankles, because the mosquito that carries Zika is particularly attracted to feet. With children, spray the repellent on your hands and then rub it onto the child’s exposed skin. Avoid the eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around the child’s ears. Do not use on babies less than two months old.
The CDC does NOT recommend non-registered repellents, such as natural repellents, like peppermint oil, cedar oil or eucalyptus oil.
* Wear proper clothing. The CDC has always recommended long sleeves and long pants to protect from bites. Shoes and socks are wise and a hat and sunglasses are recommended. Did you know that you can now buy clothing that is treated with permethrin, a synthetic insecticide?
* Check your home environment. Repair any holes in window and door screens. Clean out items holding water, both indoors and out. Such items as buckets, bird baths, planters, children’s toys, trash containers all need to be dried. Do not allow water to stand in your sinks indoors. Keep doors and windows closed and use your air conditioning if you have it. Swimming pools are safe if they are treated with chlorine.
Mosquitoes can appear in your home if the temperatures rise to 50 – 60 degrees. They can live in those cooler temperatures and even breed inside your home.
* Exercise indoors. If you enjoy running outside, switch to an indoor treadmill during the warmer months if at all possible. Sweat attracts the Zika-carrying mosquitoes.
The CDC posts a list of Zika-infected areas, so check their website if you are traveling.
www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/protect-yourself.html
www.who.int/features/qa/zika/en/
www.nationalgeographic.com/travel-interests/tips-and-advice/how-to-protect-yourself-against-the-zika-virus/
