5 Things Everyone Needs to Know About Zika

Good news for South Floridians: Miami-Dade County could be Zika-free by the end of the week according to serval reports. Florida Gov. Rick Scott lifted the Zika virus advisory for Miami's Little River neighborhood last Friday after 45 days passed without any local transmissions, per the Associated Press. The news signals the end is in sight for Miami-Dade County's months-long battle against the virus, which has resulted in 1201 reported cases as of November 22^nd, said the Florida Department of Health. The lone remaining "Zika zone" in Miami-Dade County is a stretch of Miami Beach from Eight to 28th streets, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. It could be cleared by the end of the week if no other local transmissions are reported.

Here are the Top 5 Things Everyone Needs to Know about ZIKA (and how to avoid contamination and transmission of the virus), per the Center for Disease Control.

     

1. Zika primarily spreads through infected mosquitoes. You can also get Zika through sex.

Many areas in the United States have the type of mosquitoes that can spread Zika virus. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and can also bite at night. Also, Zika can be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her sex partners.

2. The best way to prevent Zika is to prevent mosquito bites

• Use insect repellent. It works!
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Stay in places with air conditioning or window and door screens.
• Remove standing water around your home.

3. Zika is linked to birth defects

Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly that is a sign of incomplete brain development. If you have a partner who lives in or has traveled to an area with Zika, do not have sex, or use condoms every time you have sex during your pregnancy.

4. Pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika

If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bite during your trip.

5. Returning travelers infected with Zika can spread the virus through mosquito bites

If you get infected with Zika and a mosquito bites you, you can pass the virus to the mosquito. The infected mosquito bites other people, who get infected. Returning travelers should also use condoms or not have sex if they are concerned about passing it out their partners through sex.

Source: Center for Disease Control. 

Earlier this week, Mayor Carlos Gimenez told Local 10 News that the county wants to focus on mosquito-control efforts in the cooler, drier offseason. He also said the possibility of using genetically modified male mosquitoes to stop female mosquitoes from breeding isn't out of the question