What is Zika Virus?
Just the sound of it spreads panic. Scary headlines about brain-damaged babies. People are abandoning travel plans. People are delaying getting pregnant and avoiding the outdoors completely. The Zika Virus is considered a global health threat by many.
Are these rational fears? Are mosquitoes dangerous?
In this article, we will discuss the major and important facts related to the Zika virus, like what is Zika virus, how pregnancy is connected to the Zika virus.
Below are some facts about the Zika Virus and the mosquitoes who spread it.
Fact #1 - Mosquitoes are the deadliest creature on Earth. Mosquitoes are responsible for the deaths of more people than all wars combined.
They are carriers of horrific diseases.
Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, West Nile, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, as well as Zika are all caused by mosquitoes. Of these diseases, Malaria causes deaths every 60 seconds.
Yellow Fever and West Nile can be but are rarely fatal. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is considered the most deadly mosquito-borne virus in the United States. This is a dangerous creature!
Fact #2 - There are a variety of mosquitoes. For example, the Aedes mosquito carries Zika as well as Chikungunya, West Nile, and Dengue.
The Anopheles mosquito carries Malaria. But the Anopheles mosquitoes only carry Malaria in tropical climates (so far).
Fact #3 - Prevention of mosquito bites is the best course of action. Preventing mosquitoes from breeding should be the Number 1 priority for all who don't want mosquito bites.
Therefore, eliminate all mosquito breeding opportunities and protect yourself. Also, wear long sleeves when possible and stay indoors if possible when you know mosquitoes are active.
Fact #4 - Mosquitoes MUST have standing water to breed. It doesn't need to be much.
Just a tablespoon will do. But standing water is the only way they multiply.
The first step to avoiding any mosquito-borne disease is to not have standing water anywhere on your property.
Fact #5 - Use a safe repellent when you are going to be around mosquitoes.
If you are fearful of mosquitoes due to Zika Virus and other diseases, you should also be fearful of dangerous chemical repellents. Use a safe, natural repellent instead.
DO NOT USE DEET! DEET is a neuro-toxin that has more than a 50% absorption rate on human skin. It is a known causal agent in Gulf War Syndrome.
The potential health issues of using DEET and other dangerous chemical repellents are far greater than the health risks of Zika Virus and other diseases.
Preventing breeding opportunities is the first action to take. Protecting yourself from bites is the second step.
By following these two steps, you will drastically reduce the possibility of mosquito bites which protects you from getting the Zika Virus.
Louise Hodges is the owner of Greenbug which makes pest control products that use cedar as the active ingredient. Greenbug offers alternatives to synthetic chemical pesticides.
Greenbug products control pests you don't want such as Mosquitoes, Ants, Bed Bugs, Fleas, Ticks, Roaches, Mites, etc. but cause no harm whatsoever to beneficial creatures.
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