The Zika Virus Continues to Spread

Officials had hoped that the recent hurricane in Florida would help disrupt the spread of the Zika virus, but it looks like it’s only helped the mosquitos spread it even faster due to the rainwater left behind. A new zone in Miami has been identified as an area where the Zika virus is running rampant. This is a huge setback, as less than a month ago the nearby Wynwood area had been announced as free of the virus after some heavy mosquito spraying. Now, just three miles north of Wynwoon five people have been infected with the Zika virus. The CDC is warning pregnant women to stay away from the Miami Dade area. Hurricane Matthew seems to have hindered efforts to eradicate the virus. Citizens need to be extra careful to get rid of any standing water left by the storm, as even the smallest pool can serve as a potential breeding ground for mosquitos. Officials have asked for more funding for more mosquito control staff as well as pesticide spraying. Aggressive mosquito control efforts have proven to work to eradicate the virus in areas like Wynwood, so officials are hopeful that more of these efforts will work to stop the spread of the Zika virus.

How badly do you think hurricane Matthew set us back in stopping the spread of the Zika virus?