Zika Virus

Zika Virus, a dangerous insect-borne disease

Zika Virus: Latest updates, travel warnings and prevention methods

  • In 2016 the World Health Organization declared the Zika virus an international public health emergency and now estimates that there could be four million Zika-related cases in the Americas within the next year.
  • The CDC has compiled the latest Zika related information included cases, transmission and risks, symptoms and testing, prevention, pregnancy, surveillance and mosquito control.
  • Zika virus was first detected in Uganda in 1947.
  • The current outbreak and is now affecting people in all of the America’s with Brazil being the latest epicenter.
  • Zika Virus is causing concerns primarily in the country of Brazil where it has been linked to a rise in a phenomenon called microcephaly.
  • In the USA, the mosquito responsible for the transmission of the Zika virus is already prevalent in 30 states.
  • No locally transmitted Zika cases have been reported in the continental United States, but cases have been reported in returning travelers in Puerto Rico, Illinois, Texas, and Florida.
  • One case of microcephaly has been linked to Zika and reported in Hawaii.
  • There is no vaccine for Zika and therefore, prevention of mosquito bites is extremely important.

Insect Shield is effective protection against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes – transmitters of the Zika Virus

  • The Aedes mosquito, the main vector of the Zika virus (as well as Dengue fever, chikungunya and Yellow fever) may be one of the toughest mosquito species to battle.
  • Unlike the malaria mosquito, Anopheles, typically a night biter, Aedes bite during the day, rendering bed nets less effective.
  • Day use of permethrin treated clothing and gear products are best suited for protection from the day biting Aedes mosquito.
  • Aedes prefer to bite people, and flourish in breeding grounds near people, such as urban areas, making it a serious public health threat.
  • Breeding grounds are difficult to eliminate since this type of mosquito does not need much water.

Mosquito bite prevention methods recommended by the recommended by the CDC:

Travel Health Warnings

The CDC has issued travel health warnings for pregnant women considering travel to the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and South America.