The Zika virus disease is a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The virus can only be spread by the bite of an infected mosquito or by having sexual contact with an infected person. The most common Zika symptoms include fever, headaches, rash, and muscle pain. It is known to cause serious birth defects, including microcephaly, when contracted by pregnant women.
In 2016, the first four Zika cases were identified to be located in the Miami-Dade County, specifically in the Wynwood neighborhood. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 218 cases were acquired through local mosquito transmission by the end of 2016. Out of these 218, 47 cases were acquired by sexual transmission and laboratory transmission.
Today in South Florida, there is no current local transmission of Zika virus. U.S. health officials are easing warning against travel to Florida and other regions where the Zika virus had been circulating. In Florida and the rest of the United States, mosquito control measures were used to stop the spread of the virus.
Zika is still a problem in other parts of the world, but is no longer considered a threat as it used to be in South Florida three years ago. If you are planning to travel to another part of the world, be sure to check where the Zika virus is currently or can potentially be active to prevent being bit.
Other current viruses transmitted by mosquitoes in South Florida are the West Nile virus disease, Eastern equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis. There are other mosquito-borne diseases that are found in different parts of the world and can be brought to Florida if an infected person or animal gets bit by mosquitoes while being in Florida. These foreign diseases are chikungunya fever, dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, and Rift Valley fever.
Protect yourself and your family from dangerous mosquitoes. Do not forget to apply mosquito repellent if spending time outside to prevent getting bit. If your property has a mosquito infestation, call Manning Pest Control at (954) 772-3077 to take care of the problem.
