Last Updated on July 25, 2019 by Gardens Home Management Services
The first case of locally-acquired Zika virus has arrived in Palm Beach County.
Gov. Rick Scott said Monday the infected person recently traveled to Miami-Dade County, ground zero for an outbreak of Zika acquired through domestic mosquitoes. State health officials are attempting to determine where the unidentified person contracted the virus.
What we know
– Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters. They can also bite at night.
– Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.
– There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
– The Florida Department of Health has identified an area in one neighborhood of Miami where Zika is being spread by mosquitoes.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is urging people to take immediate steps to precent mosquito bites, and ultimately infection:
– Wear long sleeved shirt and long pants to cover skin
– Use EPA-registed insect repellent
– Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items
– Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitos outside
– Make sure all screens are in good working order
– Eliminate sources of standing water in surrounding areas
If you have any questions on how to protect yourself and your family, please refer to the information published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/zika