SEIA Statement
The spread of Zika has many on edge and the Florida government has called for aerial spraying to be done multiple times a day. This assessment will evaluate the impact this spraying may have on wildlife and plant life.
Rationale for SEIA
The worry that is surrounding the spread of the Zika virus is spreading throughout the United States as the first cases of Zika have been discovered. Yet, the preemptive measures to ward off the disease are having costly back lashes. Florida, along with many other states, has begun aerial spraying to kill off mosquitoes on contact. Yet, this has had a costly effect on another population in the area…bees. The Social Environmental Impact Assessment will evaluate the long lasting affect that aerial spraying may have on the bee population of Florida and subsequent wildlife and plant life.
Though other states are also performing aerial sprays to kill mosquito populations, this assessment will focus solely in Florida, because all of the locally born cases have accrued in the state. There have been 128 cases reported as of October 12, 2016 in the United states not related to travel (CDC, 2016).
Stakeholders
The spread of Zika has many directly identified stakeholders such as women and children. Women who are carriers of Zika can infect unborn children who then may be born with birth defects. The disease can be passed through sexual transmission as well, so men may also be carriers who then infect women. However, humans are not the
In the article” When mosquitoes were killers in America” by Lauren Tarshis, there is evidence that discussed how mosquitoes were far more than a nuisance. The article talked about the symptoms of having malaria. Tarshis said,”Those who become sick get high fevers, bone - rattling chills, and painful muscle aches.” It must have been very painful for people in the olden days who had malaria. The current generation is very lucky because there are medicines that reduce pain. Malaria is a deadly disease caused by mosquitoes sucking blood and transferring the blood to another human's body. Tarshis talked about how many people die in a year due to mosquitoes. The article says” In this way, bite by itchy bite, 212 million people are infected with malaria
First isolated from a rhesus monkey in Uganda, the Zika virus (ZIK V) did not pose a serious global threat until recent outbreaks in 2007 on Yap Island in Micronesia and the current outbreak which began in 2013 in the French Polynesia. And, although the virus is transmitted via infected mosquitoes, studies indicate that the disease potentially can be transmitted sexually (Musso, D., Roche, C., Robin, E., Nhan, T., Teissier, A., and
On Wednesday August 24 protestors showed their dismay at the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District plans to release genetically modified mosquitoes into Key Haven, Florida, a small town in Key West, to try to control the quickly spreading Zika virus. The article “In Florida Keys, Some Worry About ‘Science and Government’ More Than Zika” written by Lizzette Alvarez talks about how the people of Key West, Florida feel about becoming a “science experiment”.
Summer is here and our Austin fertility specialists have a Zika virus update to share with you. Learn how to protect yourself and your family!
The new mosquitos contain a gene that produces high levels of a protein that stops their cells from functioning normally, ultimately killing them.” And “While similar releases in Florida are years away, some locals have already reacted forcefully. One activist gathered 100,000 signatures on a petition to oppose using the mosquitoes in eradication efforts.” But their concerns are ““What if these mosquitoes bite my boys or my dogs? What will they do to the ecosystem?”
Department of Health. (2009, April). Information Sheet: Malathion and Mosquito Control. Retrieved July 11, 2011, from New York State department of health: http://www.health.state.ny.us/publications/2740/
Pest Control Frisco Tx wants to help protect you and your family from the potential health problems associated with mosquitoes. There are several dangerous virus strains that are spread through mosquitoes including West Nile and Zika. You can reduce the chances of your family becoming sick from West Nile or Zika by protecting them from mosquito bites. These tips will give you the information you need to protect your family from mosquito bites while they are outdoors.
As an introduction, I start by explaining that Zika is spread by the bite of an Aedes mosquito, which is usually active in the daytime (but they can also bite at night). Sika can spread through sexual contact or from a pregnant woman to her fetus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects.
As of now, there is no official vaccine for Zika. Instead, a patient that has the contagion must undergo certain treatments. Fortunately, the remedies for the virus are simple and cheap. If infection occurs, it is vital to get an abundance of rest and liquids; medication is also advised to assist in alleviating pain. The treatments for Zika are straightforward because the disease itself is rather mild. In fact, in most reported cases of the virus in the United States, the illness only lasted approximately two to seven days prior to the first set of symptoms (“World Health Organization”). It is evident that the fear associated with the Zika Virus is slightly exaggerated. Currently, there is only one recorded fatality in the United States that is directly related to Zika (“The Washington Post”). This is mainly because first world countries’ medical programs are advanced enough to effectively treat the virus. The standard of living in these countries are also higher compared to third world countries. That is why Zika has claimed a significant amount of lives worldwide; the poor conditions in these countries make it difficult for infected individuals to get proper
Mosquitoes are the host to many diseases the pose a threat to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Endemic birds are the most affected by the transmission of avian diseases through mosquitoes. Controlling the mosquito popular is key in bringing back the native bird population.
For the study, local beekeepers worked with researchers at Louisiana University and the United States Department of Agriculture. Parts of the study were conducted in the field and in the laboratory. Researchers used the insecticides commonly used against mosquitoes to find out what level of the insecticides would become toxic. Field tests were done through a truck spraying fields with mosquito repellent. Cages of bees and mosquitoes were placed in the fields at different distances to see the effect.
I have decided to discuss the article “Where's Zika Most Likely in the U.S.? The Answer May Surprise You” by Maggie Fox. There is a lot of concern in the news, throughout the healthcare industry, and the United States about Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and its’ role in the cause and symptoms of the Zika virus. Many factors play into an ideal climate for the mosquitoes. Heat, humidity, and heavy rains in the summertime will provide an ideal climate for them to thrive. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2016), “Zika virus spreads to people primarily through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon” (Zika virus, para. 1). However, the fear that there will be a major Zika virus outbreak here in the United States is unsubstantiated at this time. The CDC (2016) notes, “Outbreaks of Zika have occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the
The growing concern of the Zika outbreak that originated back in 1947 Uganda in monkeys and later crossed over to humans in 1952 has now reached several countries. These outbreaks are occurring in Brazil and reportedly more than 7,000 people have been infected from mosquito bites. On February 1, 2016 the World Health Organization declared the Zika a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. To combat the issue Louisville activated the “Zika Response Action Plan, which provides guidelines for preparation and response to the virus in the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) jurisdiction” (ZIKA Response plan, 2016). The plan being used by Louisville demonstrates the prevention and mitigation being executed
One recent topic of interest is the prevention of spreading and infecting others with the Zika Virus. As such, many states and counties have taken some sweeping measures to ease public opinion while combating the spread of the virus. One method being utilized is to conduct aerial deployment of pesticides. Although this method may help initially, other important species are being harmed from the use of certain pesticides. Specifically, pesticides containing Naled harm bees. A recent instance of aerial spraying targeting Zika in South Carolina killed approximately 2.5 million bees. Also, South Carolina is not the only state that uses Naled. Other states such as Louisiana use the chemical for mosquito reduction.
Furthermore, the recent outbreak of Zika puts many of people at risk of catching the disease carried by mosquitoes. Through recent water tests, it is possible to catch some sort of virus or harmful bugif precaution is not taken carefully. For example, the U.S. Swim team is using thicker suits than what they normally wear to combat the virus. Rio officials warn pregnant women to stay away from traveling and spray repellent daily to avoid contracting the disease.