Date Posted: May 31, 2016
Category: Mosquitoes
If mosquitoes were a family, the Aedes aegypti would be the relative that is always getting into trouble. At the family gatherings it would be, like, "You're not going to believe what Aedes did." or "Did you hear about what Aedes did?" Of all the mosquitoes that call the U.S. home, Aedes aegypti is the one most likely to spread viruses like Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. And, we are happy to say that there are no Aedes aegypti in Maine, but that doesn't mean we're completely off the hook.
Here is the exact threat of Zika virus in Maine:
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Zika virus can get into any population, and Maine is not exempt. It is brought in by travelers from countries where Zika is spread locally, and it can be transmitted sexually.
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The most common way Zika is transmitted is by a mosquito bite. And, currently, there are only two mosquito species in the U.S. that are known to transmit Zika; the Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus. Neither species is found in Maine.
It is our opinion that one Zika infection is one too many. This is a virus that causes microcephaly in unborn children at all stages of pregnancy. If you're not yet aware of what microcephaly is, it is a birth defect that is characterized by small head size and brain damage. While we have dealt with West Nile virus here in Maine, which has lead to the death of some, microcephaly is arguably worse than death. Having a child born with this defect can lead to lifelong suffering for an entire family. That is serious business.
The risk of contracting Zika virus in Maine is low, but it's still a good idea to protect yourself, and your family with effective mosquito abatement. Fewer mosquitoes breeding and hiding on your property means fewer bites for you and less opportunity for mosquito-borne viruses to spread.
Mosquito abatement is used nationwide by municipalities because it works to prevent the spread of viruses, but state and local governments need your help to make this a complete solution.
Get mosquito control services for your property from a trusted professional like Big Blue Bug Solutions and be part of the solution that is helping to protect our families and our communities from dangerous mosquito-borne viruses. Together we can make a real difference.
