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Mosquitoes Can Affect Your Family’s Future
ELIZABETH H. CARVER, DNP, RN, CNE
Zika virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes thriving in urban settings, often inside homes. They are day-biters. Only an estimated 20 percent of those who contract Zika have symptoms and these are typically mild. But, the virus can have devastating effects on an unborn baby, resulting in severe birth defects and other complications even if the mother has no symptoms. Zika can also be sexually
www.CDC.gov/zika for details.) Mosquitoes that carry Zika may also carry two other viral diseases—dengue and chikungunya, both of which have symptoms that include severe joint pain, often requiring hospitalization. The mosquitoes that transmit all three of these viruses
America, the Caribbean, and Puerto Rico and elsewhere in
www.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-information) or those who have sex with individuals possibly exposed to Zika should gov/travel/page/zika-information.) Those returning from these areas should use repellents for three weeks even if they have no symptoms to help prevent transmission to
be possible this summer but we still need to be mindful that West Nile virus is already found in all of the lower 48 states,
thanks to mosquitoes that are dusk-to-dawn biters. WNV affects individuals of all ages. While most have no symptoms or mild illness, in some, it causes severe health issues and even death, even in children. It can be very much a threat in your own backyard.
None of these diseases have a cure or vaccines, so
personal protection to prevent bites is the only option. Dress to cover as much skin as possible and use insect repellent on exposed skin. Make sure it contains an EPA- registered active ingredient like DEET, which can be used on pregnant and nursing mothers and on children as young as two months of age, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, in concentrations up to 30%. Pick products that match the time you’ll be exposed. According to the EPA, and rub it on their exposed skin. Reapply as necessary. Always follow label directions and wash off repellents with soap and water when children return indoors.
Dr. Libby Carver is a registered nurse, with advanced degrees in nursing. of Nursing, Duke University Health mother, and advocate for personal protection in avoiding diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks.
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