Virginia's Mosquito Season Has Officially Begun
Spend enough time in Virginia during the summer and you'll get a first-hand experience with the Mid-Atlantic's official regional bird: the mosquito.
Scientists estimate that mosquitoes are the most deadly animal in the world, claiming approximately a million human lives each year. Thankfully, the world's worst mosquito-born illnesses - such as malaria - don't really affect. Nevertheless, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is warning Virginians to take extra care during this year's mosquito season, which officially began May 1.
For decades, the worst that Virginians had to worry about with mosquitoes an annoying itch and, at worst, West Nile Virus. With the spread of Zika, however, Virginians are cautioned to take extra care this summer when spending time outdoors in the evenings.
Since 2015, there have been 15 Zika virus cases referred to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). All of these patients contracted the virus overseas and there has still not been a domestic case of Zika infection in Virginia. However, last year there were domestic cases of Zika in areas of Miami, proving that it is possible to contract the virus stateside.
The Virginia Department of Health recommends that anyone travelling to South or Central America wear long sleeve clothing and apply bug repellent to exposed skin, especially during evening and night time hours. Consider sleeping in a mosquito net if you are going to be spending time off the grid.
If you notice a mosquito bite, don't panic.