Protecting Our Children from the Zika virus at Home and at School
It’s back-to-school time here in the Houston area and parents face a new concern besides sports injuries and lost homework. The Zika virus, which has gained attention for the threat it represents to unborn children, has been officially confirmed in Houston, TX. Families have expressed concern about how this will affect their children and what measures they can take to protect them. The bad news is, there is no vaccine yet for the Zika virus, and it can be spread unintentionally. The good news is, medical researchers are working on a vaccine, and there are things you can do right now to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the spread of the Zika virus within your community.
The Risk to Children
Children and adults do not have much to worry about from infection of Zika virus. Most people don’t even know they’ve contracted it, and the remainder experience symptoms like fever, rash, muscle aches, and joint pain. They may help spread the disease, though, because they can carry it for up to three weeks and cause other mosquitoes that bite them to then become carriers as well.
Preventing the Zika Virus
The Zika virus is spread by certain species of mosquitoes, and we already know how to reduce the prevalence of mosquitoes within a community or around private property. Experts recommend inspecting your property for standing water, which is the habitat for breeding mosquitoes. The species that carries the Zika virus spends its entire life within a small environment. Clearing away standing water will help prevent the spread of this species and that means fewer cases of Zika viral infection. Using screens on windows and wearing lightweight but long clothing that covers the skin also help.
Parents can use insect repellent sprays. Use only insect repellent containing DEET on the skin, and use permethrin containing sprays on clothing or outside around the house and play areas. Expert treatment of your property will assure you of thorough coverage.
Professional Help
Experienced professionals can help protect families by inspecting private property and recommending preventive measures like clearing away objects that collect water and spraying the property. Preventive Pest Control is available to provide reliable Houston mosquito control for your property and your family. We can treat your property and stop any pest infection you need help with. We can also prevent outbreaks with regular maintenance. Contact us at 281-973-5620 today.