Mosquitoes carry a bad name. They carry malaria, chikungunya, typhoid, and dengue, and who knows what else . . . as we found out recently with Zika. This Zika virus just didn’t present itself one day, waking up one morning and say, “Let’s go for a ride on a mosquito.” Nope, it’s been around for sometime, and all of a sudden, there is this wave of bad juju associated with Zika: microcephalic babies, finding a home in sperm and causing mild flu-like symptoms. It is the microcephalic babies that caught our attention. A lot of them are in Brazil and are associated with positive Zika in amniotic fluid and now Zika in sperm that can be sexually transmitted. So, the WHO, CDC, and others mount an attack on Zika. Lots of media spots, recommendations and advice not to travel. I just came back from Nicaragua and can vouch for the higher level of caution that people are taking. As of now, travel to the Dominican Republic, in particular for our students, is under a “health travel alert” for Zika, and there are no restrictions nor warnings. The “health travel alert” is simply an indication to take “enhanced precautions” when traveling such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants, avoiding bodies of waters where mosquitoes may gather, and essentially preventing mosquito bites.
Pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant should not travel on this trip. Here are some more tips:
For protection against mosquitoes:
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin. Products containing picaridin include Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, and Autan [outside the US])
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD (products containing OLE include Repel and Off! Botanicals)
- IR3535 (products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart)
- If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks). You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear or treat them yourself. So it comes down to this: common sense, an attitude of caution if you are female and wanting to get pregnant or are pregnant. As for the guys, protected sex with your pregnant or intending to get pregnant partner/spouse.
One last thought: there are over 3500 different species of mosquitoes. The female is the only one who bites, and the life span for all mosquitos is about 2 months. And . . . here it is . . . it will be a carrier for another virus that will infect us whether we like it or not. Wait for it.
Dr. David H. Beyda is Division Chief of Critical Care Medicine at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Professor of Child Health at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix where he is also Chair of the Department of Bioethics and Medical Humanism. He directs the Global Health program which offers a Certificate of Distinction in Global Health. He also serves as Chairman of the Bioethics Committee of Phoenix Children’s Hospital.