Zika Virus general information

I wanted to send a short note about Zika Virus with general information. I’m sure everyone that has read or listened to any news venue over the last few days knows that this virus is spreading across Central and South America and of the effects on pregnant women and a developing fetus.

Right now there is NO known transmission in the United States (except Puerto Rico). All other cases are people returning from affected countries.

The mosquito known to transmit this virus, Aedes ageypti, is present in the United States but not in Ohio or Kentucky. We do have a relative, Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger mosquito), to the ageypti that also carriy vector borne diseases like West Nile and possibly Chikungunya to name a few in this area. Reports are rare but they do happen, however, there is NO known transmission of Zika virus by this specific mosquito to date.

It is Summer in South America so temperatures are higher than in our part of the world right now. Most mosquitoes and bugs in general will not appear on a regular basis (yes, you can have a couple in cold weather but not many) until temperatures get to consistently above 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Bugs like warm weather and water.
I encourage everyone to visit the CDC’s website to get up to date information – Center for Disease Control.

Please be careful on any travel to these wonderful areas. I personally feel blessed after knowing this information that 6 years ago when traveling with my husband in South America this time of year for 3 weeks and being in early stages of pregnancy, we now have a very healthy 5 1/2 year old!

For factual, up to date, information, please visit the CDC and other credible sources.