You can’t turn on the news without hearing about Zika virus.
Many people are talking about Zika virus because it has taken the world by storm. Many people are aware that Zika virus is a problem for the Caribbean, South America and Mexico, and there is a rumor that the mosquitoes who spread the virus could be heading north. At A World of a Discoveries, our goal is to not only teach and care for your kids, we also want to keep them healthy. That’s why we’ve come up with this guide on what you need to know about Zika virus:
#1. Should you be worried about your kids?
There have been no cases of Zika virus getting caught in Missouri. However, according to the CDC, the mosquito that transmits Zika, called the Aedes, has been linked to 30 different states in the United States, including Missouri.
#2. Who does Zika affect?
The Zika virus is best known for causing birth defects in newborn babies. This is certainly the most serious problem associated with Zika virus, but that doesn’t mean that it is only a concern for pregnant women. Anyone can catch Zika virus, and the symptoms can include joint and muscle pain, fever, eye irritation and a rash. The severity of symptoms can differ from person to person, and some people don’t experience any symptoms at all.
#3. Is there a way to spot these mosquitoes?
The mosquitoes that spread Zika have a couple of distinct qualities for you to consider. First, they are mostly day biters, which means that you need to be vigilant during the day. Second, they don’t require a lot of water for breeding, so don’t think that you are protected because you are away from water.
Stay tuned for our next blog to learn mosquito protection tips.