Protect Yourself From Mosquitos & Zika Virus
The hotter and more humid weather means the mosquitos are getting really active. Ask anyone and they will tell you that we have more than our share of mosquitos in Montgomery County. Recent reports of Zika infection from mosquitos in the South Texas area, and the fact that we have the mosquitoes in our area that can carry the virus, makes the question of “How do I protect myself from Zika?” all the more important and urgent.
Here is some great info/tips from the folks over the
Montgomery County Hospital District...
Zika is a virus that is a part of the Flavivirus family and in the same class as other mosquito borne viruses like Dengue and Chikungunya. Zika was discovered as a human virus in 1952 in Uganda. It spread across Africa and Asia and most recently crossed the Pacific to the Americas. Zika is transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquito, more specifically the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Unlike the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile (Culex species), the Aedes mosquitoes are active all day.
The best way to protect yourself from Zika is to prevent mosquito bites. Here is how: 1) Get rid of any standing water to reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay eggs. Don’t forget to empty those places like an old bucket or a puddle standing in your yard.
2) Change your pets’ outdoor water bowls daily and indoor water bowls weekly.
3) Treat doorways in your home with insecticides and spray your outdoor plants and lawn.
4) Keep mosquitoes out of living spaces by using your air conditioning and repairing window screens.
Protect yourself by wearing an insect repellant that is EPA registered and contains DEET. These insect repellants are safe for both children and pregnant women. It is also important to wear long pants and long sleeved shirts.
It is estimated that 80% of people with Zika show no signs or symptoms of infection. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle pain or headache. Symptoms typically start a few days to a week after exposure and usually last several days to a week. If you travel to an area with known Zika transmission, see your physician if you have symptoms within 2 weeks of traveling.
The most well known risk is microcephaly. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant and have travelled to a place with active Zika cases, you should talk to your physician about being tested regardless of your symptoms. Not only can an unborn child get the Zika virus from the mother, it can also be transmitted in semen. The virus lasts longer in semen than in blood. To prevent this, use condoms consistently and abstain from sex.
A new resource for health providers, Zika Care Connect, has been developed to connect women, parents and caregivers of infants, and families affected by Zika to recommended healthcare services. Zika Care Connect establishes a network of specialty healthcare providers in 10 high-risk jurisdictions throughout the United States and its territories, including Texas. The provider network is accessible at
www.zikacareconnect. org and 1-844-677-0447.
Montgomery County Public Health District’s mission is promoting a healthy, resilient community through health education, disease prevention, clinical services, and emergency preparedness. For more information about the Montgomery County Public Health District, please go to www.mcphd-tx.org or call 936-523-5020.
