It was only a matter of time, but the Zika virus is officially here in the United States.
Although there have previously been reported cases of the virus in the continental U.S., these consisted of people being infected while traveling to places like the Pacific Islands and Puerto Rico.
The state of Florida confirmed on Friday that it has experienced the spread of Zika virus via infected mosquitoes.
There have been four cases of Zika believed to by caused by mosquito bites in the Miami neighborhoods of Miami-Dade and Broward countries. The local transmission of the virus that occurred in early July involves three men and one woman.
"These are the first cases of locally transmitted Zika virus in the continental United States," CDC Director Tom Frieden said during a news briefing on Friday. "As we have anticipated, Zika is now here."
It's important to note that the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (which can carry the virus) that were trapped in the area have not been proven positive for Zika just yet. However, the state's health department investigation so far all points to the fact that the virus was contracted by a bite and not sexual encounters.
As a result of this news, British officials from Public Health England have warned travelers about visiting Florida, a popular tourist destination.
However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said it does not expect a widespread outbreak and has already taken measures to control the virus in the area.
While many — especially pregnant women — in the U.S. worry about Zika, West Nile Virus season is in full effect. South Dakota's Department of Health warned residents that the peak transmission of the virus will last until the end of this month, with the state reporting 19 cases as of July 28, with more mosquitoes than usual being tested as positive.
West Nile has also been detected in mosquitoes in Frisco, Texas and in several Monmouth County towns in New Jersey.
Although Zika is far more concerning, with the virus giving people a fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle pain and can cause microcephaly or the neurological disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome to the baby in cases where a woman is pregnant, it's important to also protect against West Nile. Symptoms of the virus include fever, body aches, rash, swollen lymph nodes, stiff neck, coma, numbness and paralysis.
"The Aedes aegypti mosquito does not travel more than about 150 meters in its lifetime — and often quite a bit less than that. In contrast, with West Nile, you have virus circulation within a bird, mosquito population that can cover a large area," Frieden said. "That's a totally different situation from what we have with Zika where it's a focal in areas like this where it's a focal problem that needs to be addressed focally."
So, here's how to protect against both Zika and West Nile Virus.
Use Effective Bug Spray
Since summertime is peak mosquito season, it's important to make sure mosquito repellent is applied to any exposed skin and even clothes. Repellent that contains Deet, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 are the most effective at warding off mosquitoes. Pregnant women especially should choose a repellent with Deet.
Consumer Reports recommends options such as Sawyer Picaridin, Natrapel 8 Hour and Off! Deep Woods VIII as being the best at keeping the bugs at bay.
Night Protection
If you are going to be spending an evening outdoors, make sure to have adequate mosquito-repellent candles and torches.
It's also important to make sure there is no standing water in the area, since that is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Make sure to change the dog's water bowl or bird bath water frequently and make sure access water isn't pooling up in flower pots.
Try to also cover up with long pants or with a light sweater to protect the skin from getting bitten at night.
Pregnant women should try to stay indoors or in a screened space as much as possible in the evenings.
Culex mosquitoes, the primary carriers of West Nile in some locations, are the most active between dusk to midnight, so limit time outdoors.
Avoid Travel
This may seem like a no-brainer, but avoid making trips to places invested with Zika. This can be easier said than done, since many people already have August vacations booked to the Caribbean or plan to attend the Olympics in Brazil. Pregnant women should seriously consider cancelling such trips, but those who do travel should make sure to have enough repellent on hand and take all measures to avoid getting bitten, such as staying in the air conditioning at night and visit sites or the beach only during the day.
Avoid Sex
Since Zika is spread through sex, it's important to not have sexual relations with someone who may be infected with Zika. This includes oral sex and even sharing sex toys. It's important to use a condom, but pregnant women should first speak to their health care provider if their partner has recently traveled to an area known to be affected by Zika.
Photo: John Tann | Flickr
