You’ve seen the frightening headlines about the Zika virus, but is that just the media trying to make the news more interesting or is there actually cause for concern? Just last month*, the Texas Department of State Health Services voiced fears about Zika making its way into the Lone Star State from Mexico.
While the Zika virus has been a hot news story lately, it was actually discovered decades ago. The first recorded cases of humans infected with the Zika virus occurred in 1952. The disease is named for the Zika Forest in in Uganda.
Primarily spread through bites from infected Aedes species mosquitoes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list the most common symptoms as fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. “The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito,” according to the CDC website. “People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika.” Additionally, once a person has contracted Zika, they are likely protected from future infections of the nasty virus.
A major cause for concern when it comes to the Zika virus is the potential birth defects it can potentially cause. The CDC stated, “Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.”
Since there is no vaccine to protect yourself and loved ones from the Zika virus, you have to take measures to prevent mosquito bites. Here in Collin County, you can eliminate the threat of mosquitoes on your property with our mosquito control package. When applied every 30 days by our trained mosquitos Xtinguishers, your yard will become a mosquito-free zone, making it safe for your friends and family to enjoy time in the Great Outdoors.
* The original Facebook link no longer exists.
