San Angelo Officials Give Their Take on the Zika Virus

The Zika virus has recently made its way into Texas, and most recently, in Travis County. Thus, the concerns of it coming into San Angelo are growing.

Sandra Villarreal, San Angelo Health Department Director, had this to say regarding the city’s preparations for the virus.

“At this time, there is no indication that Zika is present in mosquitoes in Texas; therefore, we, in public health, are, at this time, staying abreast of developments in Texas and elsewhere. There are groups at DSHS (Department of State Health Services) who are meeting and evaluating the current Zika situation and we rely on their expertise and their guidance. Currently, there is no change to mosquito control efforts for Texas, nor in San Angelo.”

According to the CDC, Zika virus symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika become ill. Symptoms last 2-7 days. According to research after the Yap Pacific island outbreak, the majority of people, about 80 percent, infected with the Zika virus will never know it because they will not develop any symptoms at all.

According to the World Health Organization, the Zika virus originated in the Zika forest of Uganda in 1947 and was found in Rhesus Monkeys. In 1948 the virus reemerged again in mosquitos Aedes africanus, which is the forest relative of Aedes aegypti. Until 2007 very few cases of this virus were reported in humans. The Zika virus is in the same family as yellow fever, west Nile virus, chikingunya, and dengue fever, and all can be contracted by mosquitos.

The virus is spread through mosquito bites ,and most recently, the first case in the United States appeared where Zika was sexually transmitted in Dallas. The CDC confirmed this on Feb. 4after a citizen who recently returned from Venezuela reportedly contracted the virus through sexually transmitted means. In fact, Florida is in a state of emergency after nine people contracted the virus outside the U.S. At this time, no vaccinations or medications have been produced to prevent this virus from spreading. 

Although there have been no reports of the Zika virus being transmitted from mosquitos to people in the United States, officials are concerned that small outbreaks could happen as the weather warms.

Overall, the best ways people can prevent mosquito bites includes wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants, using EPA-registered insect repellents (DEET), using permethrin-treated clothing, staying and sleeping in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms, and avoiding or limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times.

Sandra added, “To prevent the virus from spreading sexually, the use of condoms is suggested. Communications to us have also suggested that the CDC will issue guidance in the coming days on prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus.”

Monte Sims with BES-TEX Supply also provided input on how people can minimize the risk of mosquitos. He said, “Make sure standing water is drained, like bird baths, ponds, potted plants, dog bowls, etc.”

Sims said this will prevent mosquitos from reproducing rapidly outside homes. Mosquitos lay their eggs in water. There are also other repellents and insecticides sold at BES-TEX Supply to prevent this problem from starting. It is best to use an airborne repellant so it covers a wide space and area because these are people loving insects. Also, people who leave windows and doors open run the risk of allowing mosquitos into their homes.

Sims said for more information on how eliminating the risk of mosquitos, people can call 325-653-1300, or visit BES-TEX website here.

All in all, taking these extra precautions can help minimize the Zika virus, which like the West Nile Virus, can immerge with little warning.

Although most Americans are only recently hearing about this virus, in May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus in Brazil. The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain- Barré syndrome, a life threatening neurological paralyzing condition. Pregnant women giving birth to babies witnessed birth defects and poor pregnancy outcomes. Babies are being born with smaller brains and smaller heads. Because of this threat, officials warn that pregnant women should put off traveling to the effected areas.