We began to hear about the potential threat caused by the Zika virus a few years ago, back in 2015, when it first appeared in the United States. While it has been around a lot longer, only Americans who traveled to remote parts of the world risked exposure to it. That changed when cases were reported in South America and spread north in 2015. Zika has now been in the news for four years, but still, few Americans have seen evidence of the health danger it may present to them. So it raises the question: Is Zika still a threat to Florida?
About the Zika Virus
The Zika virus was first isolated in Africa back in 1947. It was a source of infection in humans located in Africa and parts of Asia from the 1950s forward until its appearance in the Americas in 2015. Zika had its heyday in 2016, causing thousands of infections throughout the Caribbean and hundreds in the continental U.S. That number of cases in the U.S. dropped to only seven in 2017, leading many Americans to consider any threat to be over. With the incidence of the Zika virus clearly not as prevalent as it was a couple of years ago, are we safe now?
Is Zika Still a Threat?
While Zika may not be as popular in the news as it was a few years ago, there have been 20 cases of Zika reported in Florida so far in 2019. Of those 20 cases, nine of them involved an infected pregnant woman. While Zika isn’t a big killer of its victims, it can cause significant birth defects and neurological disorders in unborn children when it infects a pregnant mother. Pregnant women who become infected with Zika also experience a higher level of miscarriages. So, while the death rate from Zika may not be significant, it still causes a health risk to Floridians, especially pregnant women. For this reason, people living in Florida and other areas of risk should continue to protect themselves against mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Mosquito Misting Systems
Mosquito misting systems have been shown to be the best way to control mosquito populations and protect against biting insects of all types. Not only do these systems provide excellent protection against being bitten by the insects, they also protect you against the diseases that are spread by these insects, including Zika and the West Nile virus. These systems are set up in strategic areas throughout the yard and put out a mist of insecticide intended to kill no-see-ums and other insects, including flies and spiders. Customers who have installed mosquito misting systems agree that these systems provide excellent protection from mosquitoes and other insects.
Are Zika Mosquitoes in Florida?
Like it or not, Zika mosquitoes are still in Florida and present a potential health risk to Floridians. Reduce the risk of Zika by installing a mosquito control system of your own. SWAT Mosquito Systems®️ has a staff of certified professionals who can help you from start to finish with the planning and installation of your own mosquito misting service. We also specialize in systems for business owners looking to rid their restaurant patio, beachfront, or boardwalk café of the threat these insects present. Don’t forget to ask about our mosquito control guarantee. Give SWAT Mosquito Systems®️ a call today at 1-866-900-SWAT.