Let’s Talk About the Zika Virus
Have you heard about the Zika virus and are you wondering what it is? Cases of this infectious disease are soaring in America. Many U.S. states are reporting cases of travelers bringing the infection back with them. There have been 3 cases of the Zika virus in the area. One in Orange County, one in Rockland County & one in Putnam County. Did you know that although it usually spreads by mosquitoes, Zika could also be transmitted through sex.
For most people, the Zika virus causes only a brief, mild flu-like illness. There has been new research points to a possible connection to higher rates of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition in which the immune system attacks nerves following an infection, causing muscle weakness and paralysis. And in pregnant women, the virus has been linked to an alarming increase in the rate of the birth defect known as microcephaly: an abnormally small head and brain size.
Here are the facts about the Zika virus:
1. The Zika virus is carried by mosquitoes and people, but usually spread by mosquitoes. Zika is a virus related to the West Nile, yellow fever, and dengue viruses. These viral diseases have mosquitoes as their vector the bug or organism that transmits an infection and are generally not passed from person to person.
This virus can also be sexually transmitted. The use of a condom can protect you against infection. If you are pregnant and your partner has been exposed to mosquitoes in regions that have Zika, you should talk with your doctor.
2. Symptoms of Zika virus infection are usually mild. Eighty percent of people who become infected never have symptoms. In those who do, the most common Zika virus symptoms are fever and rash; it can also cause muscle and joint pain, headache, pain behind the eyes, and conjunctivitis (itchy, red eyes). These symptoms generally last two to seven days. There is currently no effective treatment available for Zika infection, however, over-the-counter fever or pain medication can help with symptom relief.
3. Unborn babies are most at risk from Zika virus complications. When pregnant women are infected with Zika, the unborn child is at risk with the chance of being born with Microcephaly. Microcephaly may cause mental retardation, as well as delays in speech, movement, and growth.
4. There’s is currently no vaccine to protect against the Zika virus.
5. Travelers probably won’t bring infected mosquitoes along with them .The biggest concern is that a person infected with the virus could pass it along to local mosquito populations.
6. You can help prevent Zika infection by using insect repellents.
7. Mosquito control can help prevent Zika. Controlling the insect vector by cutting down on mosquito breeding is one way to prevent spread of this and other mosquito-borne viruses.
Breeding sites include water-filled habitats like plant containers and toilets inside the home, and puddles, birdbaths, and pooled water outdoors.
Wildlife Busters understands your desire to protect your loved ones against vector species, i.e. mosquito’s that carry Zika, or the West Nile disease and ticks that carry Lyme Disease. Since 1999, West Nile Virus has caused 30,000 U.S. infections resulting in 1,200 U.S. deaths.
Health officials report more than 75% of all Lyme disease cases are contracted within 100 feet of the home, making it a true “Backyard disease”. Our company’s goal is to safely protect your family against pests that bite, sting, carry diseases and destroy your property.
Now is the time to schedule your Exterior Vector Protection. This protective service is beneficial for your family’s health and wellbeing.
Included with your Vector Treatment is a full inspection and treatment of the prone areas around your property. This protective service will help control ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and many other general crawling insects. Interior access is not necessary for this service to be performed. If inclement weather prevents completion of your service, we will reschedule it in a timely manner. If you should not be at home, a service slip detailing our integrated Pest Management inspection and treatment will be provided. Give Wildlife Busters® a call at 1-855-945-1212 and allow us to protect you and your family against Zika, West Nile or Lyme disease.
If you are experiencing a nuisance wildlife issue, whether you need squirrel removal, raccoon removal, woodchuck removal, skunk removal, bat removal give Wildlife Busters®® a call toll free at 855-945-1212 and we resolve your wildlife management issue professionally, efficiently and humanely. www.WildlifeBusters.com or www.TheBirdBusters.com
Community Wildlife Programs and Upcoming Events
Thursday Tales at Ten: Story Time: March 3rd to March 17th
Kids Day in the Sugarbush: March 6th 1-3pm
Taste of Rock th Ridge: March 19th 10am
Twenty-Sixth Annual signs of Spring Walk: March 19th 2-4pm
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum.
Sensational Snakes: March 12th 10-11:30am
Hippity Hoppity Bunnies: March 26th 9:30-10:30am & 11-12am
And for some Wildlife fun all year round visit:
The Bear Mountain Zoo located in the Bear Mountain State Park, NY
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