Overview of Zika cases in US, Florida, etc. & How to Prevent It

Zika virus has finally made its way to the U.S. and its spreading. Like many diseases, it is transmitted through mosquito bites that carry the infection from one person to the next in close proximities.

Here’s the latest on the status of the virus.

Zika Virus Update

According to the latest information published by the CDC, there are currently 4,016 known cases of Zika in the United States, and 27,314 across the U.S. territories.

Some states have been hit harder than others by the virus. For example, New York and Florida have been affected by travel-related occurrences. For a full list of the State-by-State breakdown, you can visit the continually updated CDC website here.

Florida Finds Zika Infected Mosquitos

In September 2016, the first Zika infected mosquito in Miami Beach Florida was trapped by experts, confirming that Zika is currently being transmitted across the state through mosquito bites. More than 40,000 mosquitos were tested, with three coming back positive.

The Florida Department of Health has confirmed there have been 49 known cases of Zika in Miami, but it is only now that the actual mosquito confirmation has been achieved.

Dr. William Schaffner, a Professor of Medicine with a specialty in infectious disease at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville has stated that given the findings, he predicts there is a ‘substantial’ mosquito-transmitting Zika risk in the local area.

How to Prevent Zika

While it is important to take personal steps to prevent your risk of contracting Zika virus, government intervention is also essential.

The Department of Health is continuing to search for and trap mosquitos carrying the Zika virus in order to maintain an accurate understanding of how rapidly the disease could be spreading.

As far as funding, President Obama requested $1.9 billion be invested toward controlling mosquitos and developing diagnostics and vaccines but Congress hasn’t come to an agreement.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that funds are running low, and that Congress needs to play a more active part in properly combatting the spread of the virus.

While this happens, it is important that you continue to take personal steps in order to minimize personal risk. These steps include:

• Wearing protective clothing while outside in mosquito-attracting weather and environments (e.g. Near water sources such as swimming pools)
• Using good quality mosquito repellants on your clothing to ensure that you don’t get bitten if you do come into contact with an infected mosquito.
• Ensuring you do not travel to countries that have high risk levels of Zika, such as the Dominican Republic or Brazil, and being vigilant if you do.
• Engaging in only safe, protected sex with people who have recently traveled to a high risk Zika zone.
• Adhering to an effective mosquito control method within your home and back yard, including the use of mosquito repellents, sprays, repellant candles, mosquito nets, and traps.

Presto-X “Formerly Fischer” Mosquito Prevention Treatment Program

At Presto-X “Formerly Fischer”, we ensure that your home is mosquito free in an effective, sustainable way. Not only do we kill the adult mosquitos found in your environment, but we treat the larvae too (the immature mosquitos) so that they don’t develop into adults. We recommend treating your property every 2 months for the best results.

During any outbreak of disease or illness, it is important for you and your family to remain as safe as possible. To do this, proactive steps need to be taken to protect your home and back yard. While Zika is spreading amongst the U.S. population, you can minimize your risk by contacting us today!