Zika is the latest frightening insect-borne virus to hit the scene. Previously thought to be a mild infection that was asymptomatic in most cases, a link between zika and birth defects was recently discovered as the virus spread to South America. It is now known that zika infection in pregnant women can cause microcephaly – a severe birth defect associated with numerous handicaps.
A puzzling case in Utah
Zika is spread through mosquitos and sexual contact – but one case has experts puzzled. An elderly man caught zika while traveling and then somehow passed the infection to his caregiver. No sexual contact occurred between the two people (according to one report the caregiver was his son), and the mosquitos that carry the virus are not found in Utah. The elderly man did have an unusually high viral count. Did this allow transmission via a species of insect that does not normally carry the disease? Or was there some special circumstance allowing for person to person transmission. Trap and test teams are still on the look out for either of the species known to carry zika, which have been spreading north.
As we learn more about zika (and hopefully move towards developing a vaccine), it’s important to remember that the best way to avoid catching mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid being bitten. And while mosquitos in Utah do not generally carry zika, they can carry West Nile disease, which also still has no vaccine and can be highly unpleasant or even, in rare cases, fatal.
Protect yourself
Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing when possible and using a good insect repellent (DEET based is good, or if you are not fond of DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus also repels mosquitos) whenever you go outside. Avoid spending a lot of time outside at dawn or dusk and clean up standing water on your property. Store boats upside down so standing water does not gather in them. Mosquitos are attracted to dark colored clothing, so wear lighter colors. A pest control company can give you other tips for helping prevent mosquitos from breeding in your yard. Contact Preventive Pest Control to ask about Utah mosquito control or other household pests.