More Cases of Zika Virus Reported in Florida
As the southernmost state in the continental United States, Florida is directly in the path of the spreading Zika virus. Earlier this summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that a Florida woman was the first person in the U.S. to have contracted the Zika virus without having previously traveled to a country where the virus is prevalent. Since then, three other non travel related infections of the virus have been reported. Zika is known to spread in two ways: by being bitten by an Aedes aegypti mosquito or through sexual relations with an infected person. The real danger of the Zika virus is that pregnant women infected with it can miscarry or have children with severe birth defects.
Unfortunately, about 80 percent of people infected with the virus have no symptoms, so they may unknowingly infect their partners or unborn children. In those who do show symptoms of Zika, those symptoms include low grade fever, soreness, headaches, red eyes, body rash, and sometimes abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. The Zika virus can be detected with a blood or urine test. To find out more, call the Florida Zika Virus Hotline at 1(855) 622-6735.
To prevent you and your family from being bitten by mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus, the following precautions are recommended:
- Fix any holes in all screens and screen doors
- Get rid of all standing water near your home, including bird baths, pool and furniture covers, and pools without chlorinated water
- Keep your skin covered with thick clothing
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin
Municipalities have a responsibility to spray for mosquitoes and drain standing water in public areas. Failure to do so may make them liable for anyone in the area becomes infected with the Zika virus. To find out more about your legal rights and options, contact Farah & Farah for a free consultation at (800) 533-3555.
