Take Zika virus seriously, even in the U.S.

According to the most recent figures from the Pan American Health Organization, nearly 200,000 people are already infected with Zika virus across the Americas.

The Zika virus is primarily spread to people by bites by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted new U.S. maps of a larger than previously estimated range the Aedes aegypti mosquito could reach this summer.

According to the CDC, it’s possible that areas as far north in the U.S. as southeastern Pennsylvania, all of New Jersey, New York City, southern Ohio, and San Francisco could be affected by the Aedes aegypti mosquito carrying the Zika virus. It’s a much more northern area than previously thought.

Nearly half the land area of the continental U.S. could be in danger of having domestic Zika virus infections this summer.

In part, to combat Zika, the CDC is making Zika prevention kits available to pregnant women in numerous affected U.S. territories. The purpose of the kits is to inform pregnant women about Zika, its risks, how to avoid becoming infected, and to provide an initial supply of prevention tools. The CDC expects to provide at least 50,000 kits.

Of the kits, CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden said last month, “These Zika prevention kits will help meet a critical need, particularly in high risk areas, so pregnant women can take effective steps to protect themselves.”

Unfortunately, the kits won’t reach all who need them.

There are many more women who are pregnant or may become pregnant living in moderate and lower risk areas who need the same protection and won’t get a kit, as it only takes a single bite. The strategy only takes into account pregnant women, not women who will become pregnant, and the effects of a Zika infection can apparently last for months or longer. The strategy doesn’t take into account international travelers or U.S. domestic travelers from unaffected states who visit areas of the U.S. in which the mosquito will be found this summer.

It appears that the CDC budget doesn’t have the funds necessary to provide kits to all who would benefit from them. Through the CDC Foundation they are seeking funds for more Zika prevention kits, but whether they will have enough is unknown. Donations provided the current kits.

International and domestic travelers to potentially affected U.S. states, as well as other countries already affected by Zika — some devastatingly so — will have to learn about Zika and protect themselves from it to the extent possible on their own, without CDC help.

Note: While the Zika virus is spread primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito as well as sexual contact, it can also be spread by the Aedes albopictus mosquito found in all but 10 U.S. states.

Travelers must educate themselves and take precautions, especially hikers and campers, when they’re in any area which may be or is already affected by Zika.

Here’s a summary of what you need to know about Zika transmission:

• Zika virus is spread primarily by bites from the Aedes aegypti mosquito, as well as the Aedes albopictus mosquito.

• Zika virus can be transmitted through semen. It isn’t yet known how long the virus can stay in semen. It isn’t known if women can sexually spread the virus to their partners. It isn’t known if the virus can be spread through oral sex.

• Zika virus may be transmitted by blood transfusion, according to the CDC, but that hasn’t been confirmed. Nevertheless, as there is no licensed blood screening test available at this time, the CDC has recommended donor screening and deferral for blood collection centers.

Here’s a summary of what you need to know about Zika infection prevention:

• There is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus.

• Use condoms or abstain from sex to prevent Zika virus semen transmission.

If you’re in an area where Zika is spread by mosquitoes:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever outdoors. Pull your socks over your pants legs to prevent mosquitoes from going under them.

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents proven safe and effective. The CDC recommends DEET based insect repellents for mosquitoes. Use a repellent with a DEET concentration of 20 percent or more. Concentrations above 50 percent last longer.

Always follow the product’s use instructions and reapply as directed. If using sunscreen, apply the sunscreen before applying the repellent.

• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin-based insect repellents. Don’t use permethrin-based repellents directly on your skin, as they’re only intended to treat clothing.

• When camping, sleep under mosquito netting. Use mosquito netting for sleeping indoors if windows and/or doors without screening are open for ventilation.

Travelers in Zika affected and potentially affected areas, especially those who are planning pregnancies and women already pregnant, must take Zika virus infection issues very seriously. Use preventive measures conscientiously and possibly consider delaying your travel plans to those areas.