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 18, 2017
MYTHZika Myth of the Week
Myth: Bug spray is not affordable. 

This may not be true!



Truth: While everyone's financial situations are different, insect repellents can be more affordable than expected for most families. 

First, there are MANY different types of insect repellents that can protect against mosquitoes. 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

However, different brands, sizes, and concentrations of active ingredients may have different costs. More expensive does not necessarily mean a product is better or more effective. A product that offers longer protection may also be more expensive, but you may not need that much protection. For example, if you are only outside for an hour a day, you probably do not need to buy a product that offers eight hours of protection.  

If you have Medicaid, you may be able to get a prescription for insect repellent and Medicaid will pay the cost. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you qualify. Some communities also have Zika kits available that can provide insect repellents for free. Talk with your local health department or Tribal health center for more information. 

If you cannot afford or access repellent, there are still other actions you can take to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Staying indoors and covering up by wearing long sleeves and pants are two of the least expensive ways to protect yourself against bites. Emptying standing water and cleaning containers are additional measures to stop mosquitoes from reproducing in your neighborhood. This will only cost time, not money.  Using air conditioning or window screens if available can also help. The August 11 Zika newsletter describes some lower cost options for screening doors or windows. 


Woman emptying standing water
Image courtesy of CDC

Finally, although insect repellent can be an additional expense, paying a few dollars a month can offer protection against the serious health problems that may be caused by Zika when a woman is infected during pregnancy. March of Dimes estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child born with microcephaly may be more than $10 million. Since the consequences of mosquito bites can be so serious, some families may be able to adjust their budgets to afford mosquito repellents. 

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
NEW! Do you have questions about Zika?

Zika 101

Zika Myth of the Week
- What if bug spray is too expensive for my family? (sidebar)

Zika Information

Prevention
-Do you have a septic tank? Keep mosquitoes out
Have Questions About Zika?
question-2Do you have questions about Zika virus? 
Image from Pixabay

You may have heard information about Zika in the news or on social media. Some information may be incorrect or confusing, or maybe you have questions but be unsure where to find answers. NIHB would like to support you to access correct and reliable information about Zika. You can submit questions to NIHB's Zika Question and Answer box HERE

You can submit anonymously or provide name and email address for direct NIHB contact. Relevant questions will be posted anonymously online on the Zika Frequently Asked Questions page  HERE
Zika Information

LifeCycleThe Life Cycle of an Aedes Mosquito
Mosquitoes go through several different stages of development: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Learn more about these stages in the infographic below. 


Information and images reorganized and redesigned, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) materials 

Understanding the stages of development can be interesting but it can also help people understand how to prevent mosquito bites. For example, since water is so important for mosquito reproduction, emptying standing water and scrubbing containers holding water is so helpful for reducing mosquitoes. 

Learn more  HERE and  HERE
Prevention




Fact sheet from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Learn more about septic tanks and Zika  HERE
Zika News
tobacco-vaccineScientists Develop Tobacco-based Zika Vaccine 
Scientists at Arizona State University (ASU) recently developed a tobacco (plant)-based vaccine that may be safer and less expensive than other Zika vaccine candidates. This vaccine uses a pseudovirus (fake virus) to protect patients. Viruses in the Zika family (flavivirus family) have envelope protein on the outside of the virus. This type of protein was grown first in bacteria and then in tobacco and was ultimately used to create this vaccine. Experiments with mice have shown that the vaccine is 100% effective. 

However, this vaccine may offer several advantages over other Zika vaccine candidates. Exposure to one disease (including exposure to some types of vaccine) may cause much more severe sickness if the person later becomes infected with a related disease. This particular vaccine uses only a small part of the envelope, so it does not cause the person's immune system to react to related viruses like dengue. This means that the vaccine may be safer for someone who may later be infected with dengue.

Further, some vaccines - including one developed for Zika - use viruses deactivated by heat. Unfortunately, the vaccine may accidentally cause infection if a batch of vaccine is incorrectly produced.

Although research like this is promising, there is still currently NO VACCINE or specific treatment for Zika virus

Learn more general information about how vaccines work HERE

Read an ASU article about the vaccine research HERE

Read the scientific journal article published HERE

neuroprobZika Linked to Neurological Problems in Adults
It is well-known that Zika can cause neurological birth defects like microcephaly. Although rare, Zika is also linked to an illness of the nervous system, Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome (GBS), in adults. However, a study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that Zika may also be linked to other neurological problems in adults. The study noted problems such as: encephalitis (swelling in the brain), transverse myelitis (swelling in the spine), and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (a long-term condition related to GBS). Some patients with these conditions died or needed serious medical intervention, such as intensive care in a hospital or mechanical assistance with breathing. 

Read a Chicago Tribune summary HERE

Read the JAMA journal article HERE

Zika-testResearchers Develop Rapid Zika Test
Scientists at the Washington University in St. Louis have created a test that is inexpensive, simple, portable, and can test for Zika virus in just 15 minutes. For current Zika testing, blood samples may need to be refrigerated and shipped to medical centers or labs. This new test is not yet approved for use but offers hope for a better test to be used in the future. 

Read the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis article HERE

Learn more about current Zika testing HERE
 Webinars, Trainings, Events
dayWorld Mosquito Day

Image from gatesnotes, blog of Bill Gates, citing World Health Organization

World Mosquito Day is a public health awareness day supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health partners to raise awareness about mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika. 

Learn more about World Mosquito Day and how you can get involved HERE

AAPwebinarBeyond the Basics: The Impact of Zika Virus on Vision and Hearing
Tuesday, 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

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

ideasShare 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.