The necessity to take measures for mosquito control has gained an extra sense of urgency thanks to the advent of the pests infected with the Zika virus. When Zika first arrived in the United States, it was concentrated in the southern states. But, as the CDC reports, not a state in the continental United States is free of the virus.
The CDC also notes that Zika is mostly spread through mosquito bites, though other vectors include transmission from a mother through her fetus and sexual transmission. Many people who have the virus have few or no symptoms. Those who do have symptoms can experience fever, rash, red eyes, and joint pain. Muscle pain and headaches can also occur. The course of the disease runs for several weeks, and sufferers emerge from it with immunity.
The danger from Zika occurs to women who are pregnant. Zika can cause severe brain defects in an unborn child and can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths.
Clearly, if your property has a mosquito infestation, having a professional deal with it has become more of an urgent matter, even if the pests are not infected with the virus, The principle of being safe, not sorry applies in this case.
In the meantime, wearing long-sleeved clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible is indeed indicated. By all means, also use insect repellent that has been designated as safe by the Environmental Protection Agency, and follow the instructions. Be careful using repellent on young children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
