You’ve heard about it for months; you’ve seen the devastating side effects and health officials have linked it all to one singular insect – mosquitoes.
In the past few months there have been several reports of a “Zika outbreak” that is traveling from Central and South America into the United States.
As of June 8th, 2016 the Centers for Disease Control in the United States released the following information regarding the Zika virus in the United States, not including US Territories whose reported cases are much higher:
- Travel associated cases reported: 691
- Locally acquired vector-borne cases reported: 0
- Of the 691 total: 11 sexually transmitted
According to the CDC Zika virus often has no symptoms to those affected, but for some sy
mptoms can include: fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain or headaches. People very rarely die from Zika, but the virus remains in the blood for about a week after the infection – sometimes longer.
In pregnant women, the Zika virus has been known to cause a birth defect called microcephaly.
While Kansas has yet to experience a Zika virus outbreak, Julie Hettinger, Community Health Planner of the Geary County Health Department says that “the best way we can prepare for [Zika] is as individuals protecting ourselves by wearing long clothing, using insect repellent and getting rid of the breeding places that mosquitoes lay their eggs.”
Hettinger says that some of these breeding places include “standing water that isn’t changed very often ,” which could include your dog’s water bowls.
“We don’t have the type of mosquito that transmits the Zika virus, so we want to be focused on protecting against West Nile [virus], which is what we usually have several cases of each year [that are] locally transmitted,” said Hettinger.
With the high amount of rain this year, it isn’t surprising that the mosquito population in Kansas has flourished.
In Sedgwick county, high numbers of mosquitoes known to transmit the West Nile virus have been found. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said that the rise in the number of Culex mosquitoes (responsible for West Nile) is likely to increase statewide.
“Since we have some of the same climate and environment, I would suspect that there is a chance that we [already] have those mosquitoes that carry West Nile,” said Hettinger.
Hettinger said other ways to mosquito proof your home are to make sure your screens don’t have holes in them and to use netting to help keep mosquitoes out.
West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and not from person to person.
According to the CDC, almost 80% of those affected by the virus experience no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people will experience fever, vomiting, rashes, and diarrhea; those affected in this way often make a full recovery but fatigue and loss of strength can last for weeks. Only approximately 1% of people will develop a serious neurological issue such as meningitis. This recovery can take months; about 10% of those affected with neurological illnesses will die.
There were 34 West Nile cases in Kansas last year according to KDHE , with just over half requiring hospitalization. 2012 was a record year in Kansas with 57 cases of West Nile virus.
From the Kansas Department of Health and Environment here are some tips to help combat mosquitoes:
- Empty standing water from tarps, old tires, buckets and other places where rainwater is trapped. Use larvicide in low-lying areas where water cannot be removed. Refresh water for bird baths, pet bowls and wading pools at least every three days.
- Limit outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear protective clothing when practical (long sleeves and pants).
For more information on Zika and West Nile viruses visit jcgchealthdept.org for the Geary County Health Department website or call them directly at 785-762-5788.