02 Dec Everything You Need to Know About Zika

With the steady increase of non-travel related Zika cases, it is important to know as much about Zika as possible to avoid getting and spreading the disease.  Below are some of the most important things that everyone should know about Zika, and how you may be affected by the virus.

How Zika is Spread

Zika is spread to adults primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. If a mosquito bites an infected person, it can also spread the virus to those it bites after. While the mosquitoes that carry the virus are more likely to bite during the daytime, they are also capable of biting at night when you may be less prepared. Zika is also spread through sexual intercourse with someone who is infected and to a fetus from a pregnant woman who is infected.

Symptoms of Zika

Eighty percent of people who get the Zika virus do not show any symptoms at all, making the possibility and risk of it spreading even greater because many people do not realize they have been infected. Those who do experience symptoms only experience light symptoms, such as slight fever, rash, red eyes, headache and joint pain. Since these symptoms can be typical of more common illnesses and last for only a week on average, many people may not pursue medical attention.

Pregnancy Risks

Pregnant women are susceptible to the most severe complications from the Zika virus. Possibly the most distressing thing about Zika is its link to serious birth defects. Zika has been linked to an increase in babies born with microcephaly, a birth defect that causes infants to be born with abnormally small heads and resulting brain damage.

Areas Affected by Zika

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have issued travel notices for many countries in the Caribbean, Central America, the Pacific Islands, South America and Asia. Travel considerations are also in place for many countries in Southeast Asia including Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives, Philippines and Vietnam, among others. The CDC recommends that pregnant women cancel or postpone nonessential travel to areas under notice or consideration.

How to Prevent Zika

Vaccine development and research is under way; however, there is currently no vaccine to prevent or treat the Zika virus. The best way to prevent Zika is to prevent mosquito bites. The most effective way to prevent mosquito bites is to use insect repellent that contains DEET, such as NET effect. Other precautions include wearing long sleeved shirts and pants when outside; staying indoors with air conditioning or in screened areas; and avoiding places with standing water, as these tend to be the breeding ground for mosquitoes.

NET effect Knows about Zika and Mosquito Prevention

Now that you know the main facts and information about Zika, you can better protect yourself and your family from this progressing virus. NET effect is here to help keep you and your family safe from the Zika virus. Our unique roll-on applicator offers long-lasting insect and mosquito protection while being more economical than sprays and aerosols. With NET effect, you’re in control when applying the repellent and do not have to worry about the chemicals being sprayed in your mouth or eyes. NET effect contains DEET and is safe to use on children or while pregnant. Visit our website to order your own bottle of NET effect today!