Zika is all over the news and has been for a few weeks now. It’s not going to go away anytime soon, in fact Zika will increase, almost certainly to spread throughout most of America and Asia. The Zika virus is spread via mosquito bites and is carried by daytime biting mosquitoes: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito), both these species are in around half the countries in the world. With large populations throughout the Tropics, including Central and South America along with all of the Caribbean. They also carry the diseases dengue (already endemic in Brazil & elsewhere) and Chikungunya.
To date nearly all transmitted cases have been by the 2 mosquitoes mentioned above and a handful of suspected sexual transmission; though the authorities: scientists; doctors; the CDC; etc. have very little evidence, including the from the recent Dallas couple, are not sure. For example a female mosquito could be present when said couple were having sex!
So is it really possible to protect you and your loved ones from contracting Zika? Remember! NO BITES = NO ZIKA (or any other mosquito borne disease)
The answer is yes, if you studiously follow these important steps C.L.O.A.K:
C – Cover up arms and legs with suitable clothing. Always sleep under an impregnated mosquito net; preferably a long lasting one.
L – Light coloured clothing is strongly advisable. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours – they easily bite through tropical clothes.
O – Odours, bodily or otherwise like perfume, scented soaps, shampoos, etc are strong attractants. So don’t use them! Instead wash with citrusy, repellent products (ours smell nice.) and exfoliate with a loofah; especially if you are a mosquito magnet.
A – Apply an effective mosquito repellent: incognito® spray and roll-on have repeatedly tested 100% on A. aegypti and reapply when necessary.
K – Keep away from stagnant water if you can avoid it.
incognito® spray and roll-on have repeatedly tested to be 100% effective against both of the Zika-carrying-mosquito species, so if used correctly from dawn onwards you should not get bitten
Those with the greatest risk are pregnant women and those under 5 or with medical complications. If you are in any of these categories you will need to take maximum precautions or avoid likely Zika areas.
If you are not in these categories and contract Zika you will experience symptoms similar to bad flu for approximately 4-7 days, currently it is not thought to be serious or life threatening – however, new information is emerging all the time.
If you have any further questions or concerns please email us or head on down to the incognito® stand, TA6 at The Times Destinations Show 4-7th Feb. where myself or a member of our team will be happy to help you.
Howard Carter – Insect bite prevention specialist and incognito® Founder
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