SUMMER 2016 INFLUENCE | 31 by House Speaker Designate Richard Corcoran and Minority Leader Janet Cruz, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal Food and Drug Administration asking for emergency authorization to use the technology. That authorization, according to the letter, would make the technology immediately available to any Florida community where Zika “is being transmitted or likely to be transmitted.” “The challenge we’re trying to address is the Aedes aegypti mosquito has spread around the world in alarming rates. It’s the perfect vector for all kinds of diseases, and Zika won’t be the last virus spread by mosquito,” said Parry. “It’s not the right strategy to focus on education and vaccines. We have to focus on the mosquito, because the mosquito is public enemy No. 1.” TOP 5 THINGS EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT ZIKA 1 Zika primarily spreads through infected mosquitoes. You can also get Zika through sex. Many areas in the United States have the type of mosquitoes that can spread Zika virus. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and can also bite at night. Also, Zika can be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her sex partners. Repellent 2 The best way to prevent Zika is to prevent mosquito bites. • Use insect repellent. It works! • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. • Stay in places with air conditioning or window and door screens. • Remove standing water around your home. 3 Zika is linked to birth defects. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly that is a sign of incomplete brain development. If you have a partner who lives in or has traveled to an area with Zika, do not have sex, or use condoms every time you have sex during your pregnancy. 4 Pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika. If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your healthcare provider first and strictly followsteps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip. 5 Returning travelers infected with Zika can spread the virus through mosquito bites. If you get infected with Zika and a mosquito bites you, you can pass the virus to the mosquito. The infected mosquito bites other people, who get infected. Returning travelers should also use condoms or not have sex if they are concerned about passing it to their partners through sex. WWW.CDC.GOV/ZIKA CS264222-A August 2, 2016 Oxitec’s modified male mosquitos being released from a van into a community in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Bazil. PHOTO: Courtesy Oxitec “ It’s not the right strategy to focus on education and vaccines. We have to focus on the mosquito, because the mosquito is public enemy No. 1.” — HAYDN PARRY, OXITEC
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