Zika Virus in Worcester Area

The emergence of the Zika Virus on the national scene has brought the world’s scientists and medical researchers together. The developing story of Zika Virus and its effects is continuing to change each day as scientist make more progress. The world is awaiting more studies to find the exact causal relationship between Zika Virus and microcephaly in infants. Through the research, more potential health problems seem to have a link to Zika in some capacity. As we await more concrete results and confirmations of current studies, we want you to know some important Zika facts.

What is Zika Virus?

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted to humans by the Aedes Aegypti & the Aedes Albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito). These mosquitoes are responsible for spreading dengue and chikungunya as well. Aggressive daytime & nighttime feeders, these mosquitoes are particularly hard to avoid. They thrive in suburban and urban areas, perfectly content with standing water found in containers. The Asian Tiger Mosquito is more widespread in the United States, whereas the Aedes Aegypti prefers warmer climates such as the Southeast United States, South America, Mexico & the Caribbean.

Are Zika Mosquitoes in Worcester?

The Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes Albopictus ) is absolutely present in Massachusetts. While it is not the most prevalent mosquito in our area, there is a risk for being bitten by one. We are also concerned that more research will find other mosquitoes can carry Zika Virus, such as a recent study published by PBS pointing to the Culex family of mosquitoes.

What are the Symptoms of the Zika Virus?

Zika Virus was previously thought to be a relative light-weight in the world of mosquito-borne diseases. Symptoms are only experienced by about 20% of those infected and can include fever, joint pain, rash, pink eye, muscle pain and headache. Symptoms are typically mild and only last several days to a week. With links being made between Zika and birth defects, this once seemingly minor illness has a great deal more complexity to it than previously known.

Complications from Zika being Investigated

With a surge of money being invested in Zika Virus research, new discoveries are being made almost on the daily. Above and beyond the heavy study of Zika Virus in pregnant women causing microcephaly in their infants, a few new discoveries are being researched further. A link between Guillain-Barre syndrome has been made and is being vetted. While more birth defects have also been linked to Zika virus and continue to be studied.

As we await confirmations on all possible side effects of the Zika Virus, we urge you stay up-to-date with the CDC’s travel notice for pregnant women. Until more is known, it is best to lower risks for Zika in your own yard by limiting your yard’s mosquito population. Follow the 7T’s of mosquito control and call Mosquito Squad® of Worcester. Our traditional barrier treatment will eliminate 85-90% of the mosquitoes on your property, lasting for up to 3 weeks!