Mosquitoes have received increased attention lately, due to the spread of the Zika virus.
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“As Congress returns from recess today, the nation’s governors urge the Administration and Congress to work together to reach agreement on the appropriate funding levels needed to prepare for and combat the Zika virus”, the association said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Zika virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito and can cause fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. Birth defects from babies born to moms with Zika include microcephaly, or a severe birth defect in which a baby is born with brain damage, and a much smaller head than normal.
If you live in MI, you probably don’t have to worry about the Zika virus.
As the weather warms and mosquito season arrives in the Gulf states, US officials are bracing for more cases of Zika.
The D.C. government is hosting a series of community meetings to promote education on the Zika virus where officials will distribute free mosquito protections kits with condoms.
Though causing only mild symptoms in the infected person, health officials suspect Zika infections in pregnant women may be linked to microcephaly, a condition that causes cranial abnormalities in unborn babies.
The state of Kentucky is launching a Zika awareness and prevention program.
A Zika epidemic has been sweeping through Latin America and the Caribbean.
The U.S. does not have any recorded cases of this kind of “local” Zika virus transmission, just cases of people bringing the disease back after traveling.
Dress in long sleeves, trousers when outside: For extra protection, spray thin clothing with repellent. Pregnant women who must travel to one of these areas for business or family emergencies should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites.
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“We are still waiting for answers from the administration to basic questions, such as what is needed right now, over the next five months, to fight Zika”, said Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla. Campers and travelers can also go one step further by treating their clothes, tents and gear with a product called permethrin, which is another strong option against mosquitoes.
