Let’s put to rest unknown fears on the Zika virus in Walton County Florida.
Although the Zika virus cases in the United States are increasing every day and especially here in Florida the good news is that to date we have no cases where an individual has contracted the Zika virus in the United States through a mosquito bite. All of the cases reported are from individuals who have traveled in countries where the Zika virus is prevalent.
There have been cases reported in the United States where the Zika virus has been transmitted through sexual activities. Again the carrier of the virus contracted the virus out of country.
The South Walton Mosquito Control District has received numerous phone calls from individuals asking why they do not see the spray trucks spraying because of the Zika virus. First we cannot spray for a virus that does not exist in our area at this time. Thank God, at this time of the year the mosquito count is extremely low and does not hit the threshold for spraying. Over the years South Walton Mosquito Control District have increased the preventive maintenance program to prevent the birth of new mosquitoes in our area. This program has been working which prevents us from have to spray with the trucks at night to kill active mosquitoes. Although our program is quite effective we will still have some mosquitoes in the area.
Let me be clear we are not out of the woods the problem is just beginning. The South Walton Mosquito Control District continues testing for viruses in the area. They are also working directly with the CDC providing reports and any information found on the Zika virus in our area, again we have not had any positive reports.
It is suggested by the CDC for individuals not to travel into countries where the Zika virus is prevalent. It is also recommended that we all take the caution when outside protect ourselves against any mosquito bite.
It is our hopes and prayers that a cure will be found but until that time you need to work as close as possible with your mosquito control to ensure the safety of your family and others.
Commissioner John J Magee seat one
South Walton Mosquito Control District
Although the Zika virus cases in the United States are increasing every day and especially here in Florida the good news is that to date we have no cases where an individual has contracted the Zika virus in the United States through a mosquito bite. All of the cases reported are from individuals who have traveled in countries where the Zika virus is prevalent.
There have been cases reported in the United States where the Zika virus has been transmitted through sexual activities. Again the carrier of the virus contracted the virus out of country.
The South Walton Mosquito Control District has received numerous phone calls from individuals asking why they do not see the spray trucks spraying because of the Zika virus. First we cannot spray for a virus that does not exist in our area at this time. Thank God, at this time of the year the mosquito count is extremely low and does not hit the threshold for spraying. Over the years South Walton Mosquito Control District have increased the preventive maintenance program to prevent the birth of new mosquitoes in our area. This program has been working which prevents us from have to spray with the trucks at night to kill active mosquitoes. Although our program is quite effective we will still have some mosquitoes in the area.
Let me be clear we are not out of the woods the problem is just beginning. The South Walton Mosquito Control District continues testing for viruses in the area. They are also working directly with the CDC providing reports and any information found on the Zika virus in our area, again we have not had any positive reports.
It is suggested by the CDC for individuals not to travel into countries where the Zika virus is prevalent. It is also recommended that we all take the caution when outside protect ourselves against any mosquito bite.
It is our hopes and prayers that a cure will be found but until that time you need to work as close as possible with your mosquito control to ensure the safety of your family and others.
Commissioner John J Magee seat one
South Walton Mosquito Control District
