In the news recently a lot has been said about the Zika Virus as it enhances coverage throughout the world.  It has now reached close to 30 countries and affected close to 1 million people. And please make note there is no vaccine as yet to eliminate the Zika Virus.

 

The potential of this turning into a major issue is always out there and forecasts of affecting 3-4 million people by the end of 2016 is being said in some circles. Decades ago it was diagnosed as coming from the rhesus monkey in the forests of Uganda but until recently has been a small confined virus.

 

The odds are in your favor 5/1 that symptoms would flare from this mosquito born virus. Symptoms range from pain in your joints, itchy eyes, maybe a fever and a rash. However people that suffer from "Guillain-Barre" who suffer with weak respiratory muscles may lose some mobility and have breathing issues.

 

Women who are pregnant also are at risk and it's recommended not to visit the areas where the virus is expanding. Adverse effects on newborn children could be hearing and vision issues and a birth defect of the brain not developing properly.  So far the disease has not reached mainland North America, although cases where people have visited other countries have shown the symptoms here.

 

There are things you can do to help keep mosquito's away from your property such as remove any standing water, such as rain barrels, disused ponds, cans, bird baths and anything that can hold water outside. Mosquito's will become more active now we are in the summer, so precautions of long sleeved clothes and insect repellents will certainly help from getting bitten.

 

Should you need information or advice on a program to deter and vastly reduce the mosquito population at your place of residence please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

 

Alan can be reached at (321) 750-3233.