5 Questions & Answers about Zika in Houston

Zika Virus FAQ’s

Zika Virus has been in the news a lot lately. Zika is still rare in the U.S. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay informed.

The health and safety of our neighbors are what inspired the Jenkins family to get into this business over 30 years ago. Mosquitoes spread diseases like Zika, so it is part of the ABC mission to keep our customers in Harris County and beyond informed. We’ve put together a list of questions and answers about Zika, travel, and mosquito diseases.

Question: Where did Zika Virus originate?

Answer: Most sources indicate that Zika originated in Africa. That is also where the carriers of the disease, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, originated. Mosquitoes and the diseases they carry travel the world like most pests — via human transport. Chances are, a few infected mosquitoes were transported from Africa along trade routes around the world, and those insects reproduced.

The disease is inadvertently spread by humans. While one mosquito initially infects a person, another may bite that person and carry the illness on to next victim. That’s how diseases like Dengue, West Nile, and Yellow fever spread. And this spread pattern is why these diseases can be such an issue to track and reign in.

Question: What symptoms does Zika Fever cause in humans?

Answer: Zika is not a deadly virus. The most common symptoms are flu-like body aches and joint pain, bloodshot eyes, fever, rashes, and headaches.

Question: If Zika isn’t deadly, why are people so worried?

Answer: Zika isn’t fatal in normal adults who catch it. It only causes the mild symptoms described above. The reason that health officials at the CDC and WHO are concerned is that healthcare providers in Brazil are seeing a spike in birth defects in infants whose mothers contracted Zika while pregnant.

Microcephaly is a congenital disorder where the unborn baby develops a smaller than average sized head and brain. The health effects of microcephaly range from learning delays to death, depending on the severity of the case. Health officials in Brazil are worried because there may be a link between Zika infection and microcephaly. So far, not enough research has been conducted to conclude a definitive link. But health officials in the U.S. aren’t taking any chances.

Question: Where is Zika Virus currently a threat?

Answer: Fortunately, few cases of Zika have been diagnosed in the states. As of February 1st, only 4 cases have been found in Harris County. That is not to say that the virus won’t spread when summer hits.

The CDC recently updated a list of regions where Zika outbreaks are severe. View the list here. Central America, South America, the Carribean, the Pacific Islands, and a small portion of West Africa all have seen an uptick in Zika infection. The CDC recommends travellers in these regions take measures to avoid mosquito bites.

Because there may be a link between birth defects and Zika, pregnant women or couples who are planning to become pregnant are urged to talk with doctors before travelling to regions with Zika outbreaks. It may be best to postpone a trip until more is known about this illness, but it is always best to make your decision with your healthcare professional.

Question: How can travellers avoid catching Zika?

Answer: At home and abroad, there are a few things Houston families can do to avoid getting Zika fever. If you’re out on a hike, wear good mosquito repellent. Avoid swamps and wetlands, where mosquitoes breed. Don’t forget to wear socks, long sleeves, and hats when you are outdoors in a country with a known Zika problem. Some research indicates that wearing white deters mosquitoes better than darker colors.

At home, take measures to stop mosquitoes from taking over your yard. After it rains, dump out standing water from flower pots, wheelbarrows, and pool covers.

The best way to keep from catching Zika is to eliminate the source. ABC’s integrated pest control methods are proven to work best in the fight against mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.