It is predicted that the Zika virus could travel to New York by those coming back from those countries affected and that is by sexually transmission.
This virus for now affects pregnant women and whose babies will suffer major deformities. The virus is spread by mosquitoes and has even been suggested that these mosquito could travel further north and affect many states.
There will be more spraying of our neighborhoods, and that has been done with the West Nile virus.
Now the CDC reported that there are ways to protect ourselves this Summer and they are as follows:
1. Wear long sleeve shirts and pants.
2. Use good insect repellant.
3. Make sure that children are also protected as well.
4. Use a condom when having sex .
5. Remove all standing water at our homes where mosquitoes may be.
It is reported that the symptoms consist of mild fever, skin rash, muscle and joint pain. This ailment can last from two to seven days. Also for now there is no vaccine to combat this disease but reportedly they are working on one.
I feel Congress needs to allocate funds to fight and protect us from this disease.
Babies, mothers and men are in danger from this disease and there is more we don’t know about this disease and could lead to neurological problems for many and not just babies.
As such I ask all to write to our elected officials and that includes our President Obama.
In closing, for more information go to the CDC web site at www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html.
Be informed for that is the best prevention from infectious diseases.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
