La Plata, MD – If you think the Zika virus is worlds away, think again.
The Charles County Commissioners heard Tuesday, Feb.23 about this mosquito-borne illness that has spread through South and Central America, which may seem like something on the other side of the world. But as Health Officer for the Charles County Department of Health Diane Abney told the board, the thought that it could expand to the United States is not far-fetched.
“So far, there have been 82 cases being followed in 22 states,” Abney stated. “Two of those are in Maryland.”
There is currently no vaccine for the virus, she said, which like most viruses, has to run its course.
The concern, she said, is that with the summer Olympics being held in Brazil—a country where the virus has run rampant—more cases will be brought back to the states.
“This is a moving target right now,” Abney said. “We’re starting to monitor how it is moving.”
Precautionary measures citizens can undertake to minimize risk are not unknown to residents. It’s the same steps state officials urged citizens to take when the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), a known carrier of the West Nile Virus, first arrived in the region in the late 1980s.
“Empty anything that might hold water,” she urged.
Asian tigers can breed in as little as 1/8th of an inch of water. Something as trivial as a discarded soda can be a breeding source. Aedes albopictus is one of two known carriers of the Zika virus.
“We’re watching for transmission in areas where Aedes are active,” Abney stressed.
Pregnant women should postpone traveling to regions where the virus is active, and she said those citizens who travel to South America or Mexico should follow very strict guidelines to avoid infections.
Abney said she would continue to update the commissioners as more is known about the virus.
As if to accent her dialogue, Feb. 23 news reports stated that there are now 14 cases in the United States where the virus was transmitted through sexual intercourse, indicating that in one case the virus remained in the victim’s semen for up to 62 days after he first contracted the disease.
Abney said mosquitoes don’t like air conditioning, so a chilly environment will help hamper their movements indoors.
She recommended taking precautions outdoors, saying that DEET and insect repellants are highly recommended.
Charles County Commissioner Ken Robinson [District 1] asked if the county should expand its mosquito control spraying program.
“The Maryland Department of Agriculture controls spraying,” Abney responded. “My guess is that we would need to do more spraying. The most important thing is to get rid of areas where they are likely to breed. Get rid of standing water.
“They tend to stay close to where they breed,” she said.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com