Zika Virus in the U.S.–Pest Control Response

ZIKA VIRUS BACKGROUND

The news of Zika virus, a disease causing pathogen spread to humans through mosquito bites, being found in the U.S. is quickly gaining momentum and receiving national attention from the media as human cases are being confirmed in states across the country, including FL, TX, NY, NJ and more. In addition to the illness associated with the virus, there is great concern about the virus’ potential effect in pregnant women as there is mounting evidence of a link to microcephaly, a congenital condition associated with incomplete brain development in infants.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued  travel alerts for people planning to travel to countries and territories (in the Americas) with active Zika virus transmission. The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) have come out in force to promote public attention to this matter and in a statement from the White House, “The President emphasized the need to accelerate research efforts to make available better diagnostic tests, to develop vaccines and therapeutics, and to ensure that all Americans have information about the Zika virus.”

The pest control industry association, NPMA, has been working to help educate communities about this new vector-borne concern. We at Thrasher Termite & Pest Control would like to share this important information with you.

To be clear, as members of the pest management industry, we are NOT experts in discussing the virus, nor can we speculate on its potential to spread. However, we ARE experts in mosquitoes and effective mosquito control and can help by educating you on how to avoid contact with mosquitoes, both while traveling and at home, and how to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and reducing biting mosquito populations.

NPMA STATEMENT

The National Pest Management Association is monitoring the situation closely. Mosquitoes are often considered the most dangerous animal in the world and the mosquito species that transmit Zika virus are the same mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya and dengue. We are urging the public to pay close attention to this matter and to learn more about how to protect themselves from coming into contact with mosquitoes and to help reduce mosquito populations by eliminating sources of stagnant water around the yard and in their communities.

How is Zika virus transmitted?

Zika virus is spread through the bite of an infected Aedes genus of mosquitoes, which is the same mosquito species that carries dengue fever and chikungunya. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the primary carriers, but Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, might also transmit the virus.

Where is Zika virus found?

The growing pandemic is currently present in South and Central America. Please reference the CDC’s Travel Alerts for more information on areas of concern. There have also been reports of Zika virus cases in Illinois, Florida, Texas, New York and more, but all of the individuals obtained the disease while traveling to countries where Zika virus is endemic

What are the chances of an outbreak in the United States?

While we can’t speculate on the virus and its potential to spread, it is better to be prepared and practice vigilance in mosquito control by protecting yourself from coming into contact with mosquitoes and by eliminating breeding grounds at home should there begin to be cases of local transmission here in the United State. So far, all human cases reported in the U.S. have resulted from travel abroad.

How can I prevent mosquitoes?

• Most counties have a mosquito abatement program in place to minimize the local population and help keep the public safe. These programs typically involve trapping mosquitoes in different areas and testing them for known pathogens. This helps monitor the spread of diseases and warn the public of risks in the area. County programs may also include plans for periodic spraying or fogging to eliminate adult mosquitoes.
• Eliminate areas of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths, baby pools, grill covers and other objects where water collects. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water where the larvae develop and need only about 1/2 inch of water to breed.
  Screen all windows and doors. Repair even the smallest tear or hole.
  Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when the majority of mosquitoes are most active.
• If you must spend time outdoors during peak mosquito times, or when you will be outdoors for extended periods, wear long pants and sleeves and use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.
• It is especially important to wear effective insect repellents and protective clothing if traveling outside the U.S. Mosquito-borne diseases that may be rare in the U.S. are common in many foreign countries.

OTHER ZIKA RESOURCES

PestWorld.org: Zika Virus: What You Need to Know

CDC: Zika Virus

WHO: Zika Virus

JAMA: The Emerging Zika Pandemic