20 Dec The Third Zika Infection in Texas this Year
Earlier this month, health officials reported a Hidalgo County, Texas resident suffered a Zika infection after being bitten by a mosquito. This is the third Texas resident this year to have been locally infected, the second in Hidalgo County and the third individual infected in neighboring Cameron County.
Last year in Texas, six individuals suffered from local transmissions of the Zika virus, with the majority originating from infections abroad. The Texas Department of State Health Services warned residents that the Zika virus remains a threat in the Rio Grande Valley, and has stepped up mosquito surveillance and control efforts in the surrounding areas. Even during the winter months, residents of the surrounding counties need to take precautions against the threat of a Zika infection as temperatures remain high enough for mosquito activity to continue.
Why the Zika Virus is a Major Threat
Pregnant women in Hidalgo and eight other Texas counties are recommended to be tested for Zika once each trimester and to see a doctor if any symptoms arise. A Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, such as fetus microcephaly and brain damage. Recently, research has found that the Zika virus can cause glaucoma in infants who were exposed in utero, and a Zika infection has also been linked to hearing loss and vision issues in babies. Although Zika in adults usually causes relatively benign symptoms of fever, the full scope of a Zika infection in fetuses is still being studied.
Take Steps to Protect Your Family
As of December 6, 2017, the Centers for Disease Control has reported 226 Zika infection cases of a local mosquito-borne transmission. Most infections occur in summer months as mosquito activity is high, with Texas and Florida being the most at risk U.S. states for Zika infections. People living in surrounding areas of a reported Zika infection should be on alert and immediately take steps to protect themselves and their family from the virus.
Precautions such as wearing long sleeves and pants, checking window screens for tears and consistently applying mosquito repellent while outdoors can help safeguard against the threat of a Zika infection. Make sure your mosquito repellent contains DEET, the most effective mosquito repelling ingredient. Patrol your property for mosquito prone conditions such as old leaves and debris that have accumulated around the sides of your home. Standing water acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so consider regularly refreshing outdoor water containers and bird baths at least once a week and installing an aeration pump in ponds to continuously circulate the water.
Ward Away Zika Infected Mosquitoes with NET effect Roll-on Mosquito Repellent
Don’t let the Zika virus and bugs dissuade you from spending time outdoors with your family and loved ones. Protect yourself with NET effect roll-on mosquito repellent, a safe but powerful way to deter biting insects. NET effect has a citrus-y smell, easy-to-control applicator, is safe to use on children and pregnant women and contains the primary ingredient DEET. Visit our shop page to purchase your own bottle of NET effect today.