ZIKA, Qué Diablos Está Pasando?

So, what exactly is Zika and do I need to be concerned?

"What the HELL is going on"? — **“What the HELL is going on”?**

According to the Center for Disease Control Zika is a virus that is usually transmitted through a mosquito which had been previously infected. The virus can also spread during sex with a person who has Zika to his or her sex partner.
With that being said, Zika is especially dangerous for women who are pregnant as an infection during pregnancy can cause birth defect in the brain.

Prevention is imperative.

*Protect yourself by using an EPA-registered insect repellent product that fits your activity needs.

*These products should only be applied to your exposed skin and clothing but never under clothing.

* Avoid spraying near your face or near pets.

*Avoid breathing while applying it.

*DO NOT use around open flames or lit cigarettes or on open wounds.

*Remove any kind of standing water around your home.

**Women who are pregnant need to take extra precautions as Zika is linked to birth defects as the virus does spread to her fetus. Additionally, a new study from the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University, states there’s an upswing in A.D.H.D., autism, epilepsy and schizophrenia tied to Zika.
So basically this virus attacks the brain, which is very scary.

Who knew a tiny little insect would cause such a problem? — **Who knew a tiny little insect could cause such a problem?**

Zika Symptoms

People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital and many who have been infected won’t even know it as Zika symptoms can be mild. Most commonly symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes. Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache.
These symptoms can last for several days to a week.
Once a person has been infected with Zika, they are likely to be protected from future infections.

Traveling?

If you’re planning on traveling, you can visit the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most recent travel information.

If you’d like to get Zika updates on what’s happening on your travel destinations that may be coming up soon, you can get them by CDC’s new text messaging service. Text PLAN to 855-255-5606 to subscribe.

EPA-registered insect repellent products