Learn how this tiny insect poses such a serious threat.
The facts on Zika.
Zika virus disease (Zika) is caused by an emerging mosquito-borne virus that has no specific medical treatment or vaccine. The virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito in the
Aedes
genus, the same mosquito responsible for transmitting yellow fever, dengue fever and chikungunya viruses. The symptoms of the illness are generally mild, but Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects including microcephaly. In addition, infection may also be linked to neurological disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
In January 2016, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued travel guidance on affected countries, including the use of enhanced precautions, and guidelines for pregnant women including considering postponing travel. As of late July 2016, the first cases of mosquito transmitted Zika were found in Southern Florida, a few blocks north of downtown Miami. As a result of these locally transmitted cases, the CDC has issued additional guidance for people living in and traveling to the affected areas near Miami.
Since the spread of Zika to the Americas, NPMA (National Pest Management Association) has taken a leading role to educate its professional pest management members, legislators, regulators and the public on the importance of proper mosquito control. Should you have any questions, you can contact the NPMA at 800.678.6722 or by email at[email protected].