What You Need to Know About the Zika Virus


Cases of this emerging infectious disease are soaring in the Americas and “spreading explosively,” according to World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan, MD. Many U.S. states are reporting cases of travelers bringing the infection back with them, and health officials in Texas have confirmed a case of sexual transmission of the Zika Virus.
Here are a few things you need to know about the Zika Virus:

  • Zika virus is in the same family as West Nile, yellow fever, chikungunya and dengue.
  • There is no known treatment of this virus yet.
  • Zika has a strong connection to microcephaly, which is a neurological disorder causing babies to be born with small heads, causing serious developmental issues and can result in death.
  • This virus is spread when a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites other people.
  • The Zika virus is currently being found in 29 countries throughout Central America, South America, and Africa.
  • Since there is no treatment for this virus, the best way to protect yourself is by avoiding travel to areas with an active infestation, and if you must travel there, take drastic measures to prevent mosquito bites.

Mosquito control can help prevent Zika. Controlling the insect vector by cutting down on mosquito breeding is one way to prevent spread of this and other mosquito-borne viruses. Breeding sites include water-filled habitats like plant containers and toilets inside the home, and puddles, birdbaths, and pooled water outdoors. Contact A1 Exterminators at 800-525-4825 for a full assessment of your property or visit our website at www.a1exterminators.com for more information.

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