A "new" virus is the latest scare for many: The Zika virus. Although the virus itself was first discovered in 1947, the outbreaks are becoming more common. The virus is contracted through mosquito bites and can be transferred from a mother to fetus, through sex and it is highly likely that it is transferred through blood transfusions as well. A healthy individual can contract the virus with no symptoms. However, some symptoms may include headache, muscle ache, fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis.
The main problem with this virus is it being contracted by pregnant women. The virus can cause birth defects such as microcephaly and other severe birth defects. Other defects include the Guillain-Barre Syndrome or GBS. GBS is a sickness of the nervous system. One's own immune system may damage its own nerve cells causing muscle weakness and sometimes, paralysis. Infected pregnant women are also at a higher risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. There are no incidents reported on Zika being passed to a fetus through breast milk. According to CNN, there have been 386 cases of Zika in the state of Florida, including 55 pregnant women. The most common areas are Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. There is no cure for Zika and usually once infected, one will not become infected again.
There is no vaccination for Zika currently. However, precautions can be taken. Wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants can protect your arms and legs from mosquito bites. Applying bug spray and staying indoors can also help prevent bites. Avoid traveling to areas where Zika is commonly found. Using a condom during sex can prevent it from spreading sexually. Testing for the virus can be done through blood or urine.
Since it is mosquito season, there are things you can do to help. Remove any standing water around your home. Mosquitoes need to lay their eggs in water in order from them to transform from an egg to larvae. If you chose to have a freshwater pond, purchasing a few mosquito fish will go a long way. These fish eat mosquito eggs and are very hardy. Another thing you can do for your pond is to put Bacillus thuringiensis israelenis in it. BTI can be found at home and garden stores and will not harm other animals. Keeping dragonflies around are also a great idea. Dragonflies will eat mosquito larvae and adults.
