(Newswire.net — August 3, 2016) — A growing number of people are being diagnosed with the Zika virus in New Jersey. Twelve more cases have been identified over the past few weeks bringing the current total of Zika cases in New Jersey to over 50, with more expected in coming weeks if current trends continue. A recent article on the virus’s spread in New Jersey indicated that Bergen and Passaic counties had multiple cases diagnosed with numbers increasing over the last few weeks. This frightening news leaves New Jersey residents wondering what this latest health risk means for them and how to avoid getting infected.
Zika’s Spread in the U.S.
The presence of Zika in the United States is primarily travel-associated. The CDC reports there are over 1,300 cases of Zika in the U.S. with another almost 3,000 in U.S. Territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. New York and Florida have the highest numbers of reported cases. New York has over 330 cases diagnosed, and Florida reports more than 220 cases. Currently, the vast majority of cases in the U.S. are travel-related. New Jersey is one of only four states with numbers over 50.
What is Zika Virus?
The Zika virus is a mosquito-transmitted disease that causes a variety of symptoms and has been linked to causing birth defects. The basic symptoms of Zika aren’t usually severe, but the risk lies in its link to causing Guillain-Barre syndrome and microcephaly. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a disease that causes paralysis and requires hospitalization to recover from. Microcephaly is a birth defect that causes the baby’s head to be much smaller than expected and often is related to poor brain development. These serious conditions make Zika a major health risk.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) fact sheet on the virus indicates that the other symptoms are similar to other mosquito-borne diseases and include the following:
• Fever
• Skin rash
• Muscle pain
• Conjunctivitis
• Joint pain
• Malaise
• Headache
How is Zika Transmitted?
Zika is primarily transmitted by mosquitos. The insects spread infected blood to those they bite causing the virus to spread. It only takes one bite to cause an infection so anyone who has been bitten could develop symptoms. The hotter summer temperatures provide the perfect environment for mosquitos. It makes them more active, which increases the risk of Zika’s spread. Reports also indicate the virus is sexually transmitted. The WHO urges people in areas where Zika infections have been reported to use safe sexual practices to avoid sexual transmission.
Staying Safe from Zika
Travel to areas with widespread infection puts you at additional risk of contracting the virus. Check CDC or WHO travel alerts when making travel plans to identify the risk in the area you’re visiting. Some other tips for combating the virus include:
• Mosquito Repellant – Apply an effective mosquito repellant before spending time outdoors. Several types of sprays and lotions are available that offer protection from mosquitos and other insects. Pay attention to the directions, especially how often the repellant should be reapplied to remain effective. When spending time outdoors, you can also use citronella candles or oil burners to repel mosquitos from the area and add an extra layer of protection. If you’re traveling to an area with widespread infection, take it a step further and look for products that can be applied to your clothing and belongings that kill mosquitos on contact.
• Avoid Mosquito Habitats – Mosquitos prefer warm, moist habitats. If you’re spending time outdoors, pay attention to the area you’re in. Standing water or moist decaying plant matter makes the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos. Try to eliminate these areas from your yard or outdoor spaces. If you can’t remove them, avoid them and be sure to use mosquito repellant.
• Practice Safe Sex – Safe sex practices will help prevent you from catching Zika through sexual transmission. Condoms are the most effective way other than abstinence to prevent sexual transmission of a disease.
UltraPro Pest Protection
23 Bergenline Avenue
Westwood, NJ 07675
877-492-2252
http://ultrapropestcontrol.com
With over 30 years of experience in eliminating bed bugs, termites, and rodents, UltraPro Pest Protection is emerging as New York and New Jersey’s leading pest control service for homeowners and commercial businesses.
For more information, visit ultrapropestcontrol.com