The Zika Virus

By Andrea Peck

Everyone's talking about the Zika virus. The name has a sporty ring to it. As if instead of a communicable disease it was a new tennis shoe or possibly an innovative social networking site. Perhaps it is athletic and it does communicate, but that's not really the point, now is it?

The Zika virus is spread by mosquitos, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedis albopictus, and is now considered a “global health emergency.” In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has moved it to Level 1, their highest level of activation. Only three other situations, Ebola, H1N1 and Hurricane Katrina have been regarded as Level 1. This means that the CDC is working tirelessly to prepare for a virus that could have dire consequences.

Aedes aegypti and Aedis albopictus are no strangers to infection. These mosquitos are already notorious carriers of dengue fever and chikungunya.

The mosquito contracts the virus by biting a person who in infected. The virus is then passed on when the mosquito bites another person. According to the CDC, only 20 percent of infected individuals actually notice symptoms which include fever, rash, joint pain, headache, muscle pain and red eyes or conjunctivitis. Of those that are symptomatic, the vast majority recover on their own. Hospitalization is rare, death even more so.

But, it is the effects of infection on pregnant women and their fetuses, that has the CDC and the World Health Organization worried. The Zika virus is associated with health disorders to the unborn child. Microcephaly, spontaneous abortion, eye abnormalities and other neurological and brain dysfunctions have been connected to Zika.

Due to the severity of the virus, pregnant women are encouraged not to travel to areas where the Zika virus is prevalent.

Because mosquitos contract the virus from humans and vice versa, it is important to prevent mosquito bites—even for those who are male or not planning on becoming pregnant. In this way, we as individuals can reduce the spread of the Zika virus. Discourage bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, applying insect repellent and utilizing screens on windows and doors. I've included this link:  http://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-insect-repellent-right-you for a list of insect repellents compiled by the EPA.

At this stage of the game, mosquito abatement should be every gardener's priority. Experts suggest emptying all standing water—even the smallest amounts—at least once weekly to prevent mosquitos from breeding. Standing water in storm drains, roof gutters, bird baths and the like should be thoroughly dried. Indoor water, such as that in dog bowls and flower vases should also be cleaned and dried before refilling.

Currently there is no vaccine for Zika virus, but you can bet that efforts in that direction are underway. In the meantime, spread the word, be proactive in preventing the disease and just this once, be like a mosquito and spread the word— maybe we'll beat them at their own game.