Update May 2017

Mosquito season has begun In New York State; activity begins when the temperature reaches 50° F. The mosquito volume increases, reaching its peak during the hot summer months.  As of May 3, The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) notes there were 5,274 cases reported in the US, with the most in Florida and New York, and most often in travelers returning from affected areas. Texas and Florida reported cases gained through local mosquitos.  In the US Territories there were 36,574 Zika Virus cases reported, with the majority in Puerto Rico, and a few in the U.S. Virgin Islands American Samoa. https://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/united-states.html

Protect yourself and your community from mosquito bites to prevent Zika virus infection:

• Use air conditioning
• Use well-fitting window and door screens. Repair holes now.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents as directed every day.
• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water.
• Check those areas after each rain and remove water
• Repair and seal septic systems.

Note to Women of Childbearing Age and Male Partners
Women of child-bearing age need to know about the risk Zika virus presents to them if they become pregnant. Zika infection during pregnancy causes serious birth defects. Pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika. Talk to your doctor about what you can do to protect yourself and your baby from Zika. Take notes and follow instructions carefully. Ask questions.

Use condoms the right way every time you have sex, or do not have sex during your pregnancy.

Men: If your partner is pregnant or plans to become pregnant, either use condoms the right way every time you have vaginal, anal, and oral sex, or do not have sex if she is pregnant or plans to soon become pregnant. The CDC recommends eight-weeks after travelling to a known-infected location. Take steps to avoid mosquito bites to prevent Zika virus infection and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Note to Travelers: Many people infected with Zika don’t even know they have it. See a healthcare provider if you develop a fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes during a trip or within 2 weeks after traveling to a place with Zika, or if you have had sexual contact with someone who has traveled. Many people don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital.  Zika is primarily spread through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Ae Albopictus mosquitoes. The best way to prevent Zika is to protect against mosquito bites. See a healthcare provider if you develop a fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes during a trip or within 2 weeks after traveling to a place with Zika, or if you have had sexual contact with someone who has traveled. Source https://www.cdc.gov/zika/public-health-partners/partner-presentations.html