Stopping the Zika Virus Mid-Flight
T
he Zika virus is poised to move into Texas and the
neighboring Gulf States this spring. This mosquito-transmitted virus has recently exploded in parts
of South America and the Caribbean, and travel-associated cases have already popped up in
the U.S. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov), as of February 10,
2015, there have been 30 reported cases in Texas, with 16
in Florida.
The Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which sucks blood from an infected person and then infects the next person it bites. In adults, the symptoms of the
disease are mild. Most people never know they have been
infected, while some experience mild fever, headache, or
a rash.
By Dominick Alongi
No matter how careful you are about eliminating breeding
grounds on your own property, these pests can always fly in
as adults from somewhere else. Mosquitos love shady areas
that are protected from the wind, so get rid of any tall, excess weeds around your yard.
Preventing the spreading of the Zika virus then shifts to mosquito repellent and common-sense clothing. Aedes aegypti are day-biters, so expose the least amount of skin as possible. Dimethyl toluamide (DEET) is the most effective insect
repellant, but not everyone feels comfortable putting pesticides directly on their skin, and for good reason. Picaridin (a
plant substance) and lemon eucalyptus have been shown
to be almost as effective as DEET.
But the virus has been linked to severe birth defects, and,
although it hasn’t yet been proven, could be responsible
for thousands of babies born in Zika-infected areas with microcephaly (small, partially formed brains and a lifetime of
developmental disabilities). The Aedes aegypti mosquito
prefers tropical climates, but the World Health Organization
believes that it could spread to all countries in the Americas
except Canada and Chile.
To control the spread of the Zika virus in the U.S., apartment
and business owners need to understand the lifecycle of
the Aedes aegypti mosquito. All mosquitos have four basic
life stages, but the various species differ in the time it takes
to grow from egg to larva to pupa to adult.
The Aedes species lay their eggs at the base of vegetation in low, frequently flooded areas. They also like tree wells
that have collected rain water … even just a teaspoon! Any
kind of standing water is fair game for these female mosquitos (which are the only ones that bite). By eliminating the
standing water in your yard or work setting, a home or business owner can nip this dangerous pest at its source.
Apartment tenants should change birdbaths every few
days, and avoid over-watering your yard and garden. They
should check everywhere for any place water could possibly collect – even the little dimples in your plastic boat cover. It’s a good idea to make sure your rain gutters are clear
of debris, and if you have an ornamental pond, keep it aerated and stocked with mosquito-eating fish. http://www.
doityourself.com/stry/ongoldfishpond#b
The CDC has issued an alert for those travelling to countries where the Zika virus is being actively transmitted, with
a higher alert for pregnant women. If you must travel there,
use mosquito repellent and bed nets to reduce your chances of contracting Zika (and many other mosquito-related
diseases such as malaria and dengue), and if you experience even mild muscle aches, fever, rash or headaches
upon your return, see your health professional immediately
– you could be a walking carrier … just waiting for an Aedes
aegypti to land on you!
Please, do your part to help keep the Zika virus from spreading in the U.S. If you are aware of the symptoms, you can
make sure your apartment public areas and your skin are
not mosquito-friendly.
(Dominick Alongi is the chief executive officer of Pest Shield Pest Control
with offices based in San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Austin.)
www.saaaonline.org | May/June 2016
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