Miami-Dade Mosquitoes: Zika Versus Dengue
Zika and Dengue have a few things in common. The main thing that they have in common is the fact that they are both diseases that are borne from mosquitoes. While you may have heard of Dengue, you may not have heard of the Zika virus. The Zika virus has definitely gained more attention in recent years due to an outbreak in recent years. It was a virus that plagued South America and caused a lot o heartache and fear.
It is hard to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and that is why anyone could be infected by them. It isn’t something that can be treated but the symptoms of the virus can be treated.
When someone is infected, they will need to seek immediate medical attention to begin treating the symptoms. The medical attention they receive will help reduce the pain and fever associated with the virus. Plenty of water and rest is also needed to minimize the affects of the virus. Now that you know some of the things they have in common, here are some differences.
Transmission
The disease is spread through the Aedes Aegypti mosquito species. The best and most effective way to protect yourself is to minimize your exposure to mosquitoes. You need to take preventative measures to keep them away and to avoid an infestation of them. The Zika virus has spread through sexual intercourse and blood transfusions. These are some of the biggest differences of the Zika and Dengue viruses. Practicing safe sex can help prevent the spread of the virus.
Symptoms
Both viruses may cause joint pain and muscle aches. Patients may develop a fever, headache, conjunctivitis, and a rash. The symptoms of the Zika typically only last a week and then will subside and eventually go away. The Dengue symptoms will last longer, even a couple of week and be accompanied by bleeding and bruising. Since there is a fever associated with the Dengue virus, it is very important that the person seeks immediate medical attention because the fever can be deadly. The Zika virus doesn’t usually require hospitalization and people do not die from the virus.
Keep Mosquitoes Away
There aren’t often deadly mosquito outbreaks occurring here in North America but that is not to say that this could never occur. With international travel increasing every year, it is possible for some type of deadly mosquitoes to be transferred to our soil.
The best way to avoid a problem with mosquitoes is to make sure there is no free-standing water on your property. This could be anything from a small amount of water sitting in the bottom of your flowerpots, birdbaths or pools. They thrive in this type of environment and will stay around as long as it exists.