This e-mail is being sent as part of a temporary series of messages to deliver Zika-related information during peak mosquito season in Indian Country. 
August 25, 2017
MYTHZika Myth of the Week
Myth: Bug spray is uncomfortable. It is oily and sticky and has a strong odor. 

This may not be true!



Truth: There are many different types of insect repellents. Although different products may use some of the same active ingredients, such as DEET, different formulas have different scents and other different ingredients. 

The American Mosquito Control Association states: "DEET-based repellents have been around for more than 50 years but that hasn't kept the folks who make these products from innovating with new fragrances, new formulations, new product types, and, best of all, products that feel nice when applied.  The DEET-based repellent fragrances are pleasant to use and range from fruity to woodsy neutral scents.  Unscented products have a slight alcohol odor (there's alcohol in the formulation) until they dry on the skin.  Folks who tend to be allergic to fragrances should try the unscented products.  [...] Products are available in aerosols, pump sprays, lotions, creams and even towelettes.  These are individually packaged and are also sold in a handy plastic container that allows the towelettes to pop up one at a time.  There are water resistant and water repellent products.  One brand uses a microencapsulation process that helps the DEET release over time after you have applied it. Another goes on dry from an aerosol can, just as powder antiperspirants do." Read more from this source HERE

Clearly, many options are available and nearly everyone should be able to find an option they can tolerate well. 

It IS  important, however, to only buy repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Learn more about which repellents are safe and effective  HERE  or HERE

Zika 101Zika101


Learn the TOP FIVE things everyone should know about Zika  HERE
NIHB Resources
Learn more about Tribal Zika Response and Planning at the NIHB Zika Hub

Did you know NIHB can offer technical assistance related to Zika planning? If you are looking for additional resources or need assistance, please EMAIL NIHB

NIHB main website can be accessed HERE

Have questions? Need assistance? Click here to email NIHB staff 

 
In This Newsletter
Zika 101

Zika Myth of the Week
- What if I hate wearing bug spray? (sidebar)

Zika Information

Prevention
-Build a Zika kit
Zika Information

aerialWhat is Aerial Spraying?
Zika is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes.  Aerial spraying uses an airplane to spray insecticides (products that can kill insects) over a large area. This is a quick way to cover a lot of ground, so this method may be used if many people are getting Zika within a large area or if high populations of mosquitoes are found. The goal of aerial spraying is to reduce mosquito populations and therefore reduce the likelihood of Zika virus within a community. 

Aerial spraying can be used to lower the number of adult mosquitoes and larvae but it is only one part of overall mosquito control initiatives. Aerial spraying uses only one ounce of insecticide per acre, which means only around two tablespoons of insecticide are spread over an area the size of a football field. Because such a small amount of product is used, CDC states that spraying is safe to humans and pets and should not cause asthma attacks. It also should not pollute water or soil, or harm bees or wildlife.  EPA-registered insecticides are used and are selected by officials based on the products that may work best for that area. A licensed professional ensures that instructions are followed.  

Learn more about aerial spraying  HERE
Prevention
ZikaKitBuild a Zika Kit

You can also make your own Zika kit. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends including the following items, particularly for pregnant women: 
  • Bed net - prevent mosquito bites
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Condoms - prevent sexual transmission
  • Standing water treatment tabs - kill developing mosquitoes in water that cannot be emptied
  • Permethrin spray - treat clothing to prevent mosquito bites
Partial fact sheet from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)


Learn more about Zika kits  HERE
Zika News
pregnantnewsWhy is Zika so Dangerous for Pregnant Women?
Many people know that Zika during pregnancy can cause a baby to be born with serious birth defects. 

A recent study published in  Nature Microbiology  found that Zika virus may "trick" a pregnant woman's immune system. Normally, a person's immune system can protect against foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses. When a woman is pregnant, her immune system is suppressed; otherwise, her immune system could attack the fetus as "foreign." Unfortunately, this also means that pregnant women may be more vulnerable to viruses. 

The study found that Zika can weaken a pregnant woman's immune system even further. It can also "trick" the immune system and make it appear as though the body is recovering from infection - all while the virus, in reality, continues to spread. 

Read a TIME article about this  HERE

Read the original study  HERE
 Webinars, Trainings, Events
CDCupdatedGUIDANCEZika Virus: Updates to Clinical Guidance and Recommendations for Pregnant Women and Infants
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Emergency Preparedness and Response recently held a Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) call webinar regarding the CDC's updated interim guidance.  
The slides and webcast are available  HERE

actionDAYZika Action Day Toolkit Available
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have released a Zika Action Day Toolkit to help communities plan a Zika event. The event can be used to educate community members and provide resources and information. Learn more  HERE

AAPwebinarBeyond the Basics: The Impact of Zika Virus on Vision and Hearing
September 5, 2017 from 12-1 pm ET
The American Academy of Pediatrics will hold a webinar on September 5 to provide information about hearing and vision problems in babies born with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome. The webinar will also share information about research in this area and clinical guidance for pediatricians.  Learn more or register HERE

SHAREShare your ideas: if there are other Zika-related topics you would like to learn more about in the future, please email NIHB HERE
Is there something you would like to learn more about? NIHB may use ideas for upcoming webinars or newsletters. NIHB can also provide technical assistance related to Zika planning.