Zika Virus In Missouri

TAKE STEPS TO ELIMINATE MOSQUITO BREEDING AREAS

While the mosquito species that can carry the Zika virus is believed to be present in Missouri, there are currently only travel-related cases of Zika found in the state, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The number of cases stands at 24.

Paige Behm, administrator at the McDonald County Health Department in Pineville, received a news release Aug. 26 from Ryan Hobart, director of Public Information at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, confirming the 24 cases of Zika in Missouri and there being no reported cases of the Zika virus contracted from a mosquito bite in Missouri.

The news release noted that nearly 80 percent of people infected with the virus will have no symptoms. “Typically, symptoms are mild and include fever, rash, joint soreness and/or redness of eyes.”

Behm said any insect repellent containing DEET is the best protection against mosquito bites as well as wearing pants and long sleeves.

Gregg Sweeten, director at McDonald County Emergency Management and mayor of Pineville, said steps are being made to protect residents against mosquitoes.

Sweeten said that if a citizen complains about the presence of mosquitoes, the city sprays the affected area. He said the city also sprays the area where events are planned and where crowds are expected in Pineville.

Sweeten said the city has an adequate budget for monitoring and controlling mosquitoes.

“Center for Disease Control is recommending pregnant women avoid traveling to Zika-affected areas, which include areas of Florida and countries ranging from Mexico into the Caribbean, Central America and South America,” the press release states.

The CDC reports the Zika virus has the potential to be spread through unprotected sexual contact and through blood transfusion. An infected pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her fetus during pregnancy.

Being proactive in ridding your surroundings of mosquitoes and protecting yourself from them means educating yourself regarding where and what types of breeding sites they prefer and measures available to avoid mosquito bites.

MDHSS suggests eliminate standing water in and around your home — common items around the home such as buckets, tires, planters, toys, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, and trash containers. Any item which can hold water — even small amounts for a few days — is where mosquitoes lay eggs. Emptying, turning over or covering these items helps prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas, such as garages. Regular use of insect spray can help prevent mosquito infestations.

Inside the home, mosquitoes seek out dark, humid places like under the sink, in closets or in the laundry room. Indoor flying insect fogger or spray can be used to kill mosquitoes and treat these areas where they rest.

“The virus is unlikely to spread around the country because the U.S. has better public health controls than Brazil, where the outbreak started,” said Dr. Christelle Ilboudo with the MU School of Medicine.

Ilboudo notes people who contract Zika typically don’t know they have the virus. She said four out of five people have no symptoms, so they do not even know that they’ve been infected by the Zika virus. “And out of those that are infected, we really get more concerned about pregnant women or people who are trying to get pregnant, because that is where we see the most longterm damage.”

MDHSS has announced that the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory has been designated as a Zika virus testing laboratory by the CDC and is now able to provide testing of Zika virus samples.

There is not currently a vaccine for Zika virus.

The best defense against the Zika virus is to be proactive in taking preventive measures in eradicating or staying away from breeding sites of mosquitoes both inside and outside and using mosquito repellent and not traveling to Zika-affected areas.

Resources and information regarding the Zika virus may be obtained from the McDonald County Health Department at 500 Olin St. in Pineville, 417223-4351.