How to Protect Your Family from the Zika Virus

By now, most people have heard of the Zika virus. It’s all over the news that the virus has spread from Africa to the United States, including Florida. At Tripod Aluminum, our community’s safety is important to us, so we have compiled information about how to protect yourself and your family from contracting the incurable Zika virus. We will provide a brief overview of what the Zika virus is, how it is transmitted, and steps you can take to prevent getting infected by this quickly spreading virus.

The Zika virus is primarily transmitted to humans by mosquito bites, and can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, sexual contact, and from mother to child during pregnancy. Often there are no symptoms when someone contracts the Zika virus. When symptoms are present they include fever, joint pain, red eyes, headache and a rash. The virus is extremely dangerous when it affects pregnant women, because it can cause birth defects called microcephaly to the fetus. Microcephaly can cause babies to be born with abnormally small heads, which often leads to other health issues like seizures, developmental delay, and problems with vision, hearing and balance.

Floridians are all too familiar with pesky mosquitos and the itchy bumps they leave when they bite, but now there is another more serious reason to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Recently, cases of Zika have been reported in Miami, which is a huge concern for people living in surrounding cities. There have not been any reports of Zika in Brevard, Florida yet, but the virus is rapidly spreading. According to the CDC, Florida has one of the highest rates of Zika in the US. Currently there are 542 reported cases of Zika in Florida, and that number is growing. That is why it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your family from the Zika virus. Here are some precautions the CDC recommends taking to prevent catching Zika:

• Wear mosquito repellant when outside
• Wear long sleeves
• Buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear
• If you have a child, cover the crib, baby carrier and stroller with mosquito netting
• Make sure all your windows have screens, and repair any holes in the screens
• If you have an outdoor patio or pool area, have it screened in
• If your outdoor patio or pool area is already screened in, check for holes in the screens

At Tripod Aluminum, we know your top priority is to keep your family safe. Our services include screening enclosures for pools and patios, which can help keep Zika-infected mosquitos out while you and your loved ones swim in the pool or lounge on the patio. We have been serving Melbourne, Florida and surrounding cities for over 20 years.