Is the Zika Virus Still in the United States?

“Is the Zika virus still around?”—that’s a great question.

If you’re concerned about Zika, you want to know the facts.

Zika virus is still in the United States, but only in a very small area around Miami.

Right now, the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) is successfully stopping the virus from spreading.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Large Pools of Water Are Being Found and Flushed Out

Tropical storms and hurricanes leave piles of debris, trash, and household items scattered around neighborhoods. This increases the chances of large pools of warm water forming. When they form, large pools of warm water are the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos. The CDC is keeping a close eye on the areas of Florida where this might be occurring.

The CDC is also coming up with mosquito control plans. They include mass spraying, nets, identifying and eliminating breeding grounds, and educating residents. The final precaution the CDC is taking is to familiarize people with the signs and symptoms of the virus and how they can get help should they think they have it.

The Signs and Symptoms Are More “Normal” Then You Might Think

The signs and symptoms of the virus are similar to those of the flu or even a cold. They are:

• Fever
• Muscle and/or joint pain
• Rash
• Red eyes
• Headache

It’s important to note that if the symptoms are present in non-pregnant women, no testing will be done. A physician will be able to accurately diagnose the presence of the virus based on how the symptoms present themselves.

With pregnant women, a series of blood tests will be conducted and then sent to local and federal laboratories. This is done to help the CDC know where the virus came from, how they can stop it from spreading, and how they can develop a vaccine.

The Number One Preventative Measure You Can Take—Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

The virus is widely spread by mosquitos. You should always protect yourself from them by:

• Wearing anti-insect clothing that covers your arms and legs
• Spraying yourself with strong repellent
• Using mosquito nets while sleeping
• Screening your windows
• Turning your air conditioner on

It’s also recommended that you use mosquito nets to cover your children’s beds and strollers.

In addition, it’s advised that you take precautionary measures if you travel to Miami or surrounding areas. If you’re a woman planning to travel to these areas, it’s strongly advised that you not go.

There Are Other Preventative Measures Taking Place

Get your home treated to keep mosquitoes away with any of our mosquito control programs:

• Mosquito suppression treatment
• Automated Mosquito Misting Systems
• Large Area Fogging
  

Conclusion—What You Now Know

Zika virus is still present in the United States, but only in a very small area. This doesn’t mean that it can’t spread. You should take comfort in knowing that the US CDC has things under control and is working well with other countries where the virus is more prevalent. Use the information presented in this article to make sure you’re extra protected from the virus.

Contact us to learn more about our mosquito control plans!