CEO DATELINE - Associations monitoring Zika virus appearance in Florida
CEO DATELINE - Associations monitoring Zika virus appearance in Florida
- August 5, 2016 |
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Walt Williams
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At least three associations say they are closely following the arrival of the Zika virus in Florida, with one group urging Congress to do more to fight transmission of the disease.
"Sadly, we knew this outcome was probable with each passing day that Congress failed to fund Zika protection and response," said Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. "And now Congress has adjourned for summer recess."
Zika is believed to cause birth defects in babies whose mothers contracted the disease while pregnant, although it is not known to be dangerous to healthy children or adults. The Florida Department of Health announced in late July it had detected at least four cases that were likely the result of local transmission of the disease—the first time U.S. residents had contracted Zika while in the country.
Zika is spread primarily through mosquitos. The National Pest Management Association has prepared a 30-minute online training course and four-part webinar series about the virus and the mosquitos known to transmit it. It also unveiled a national broadcast PSA campaign and regularly posts advice and articles to its website and social media pages to reach consumer audiences.
"Prevention around the clock is of the utmost importance," said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. "The mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite throughout the day, so proper attire and wearing an effective repellent is key. Pregnant women should be especially vigilant and heed travel advisories, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and use insect repellent when traveling outdoors." http://bit.ly/2aTNMGK
The U.S. Travel Association has created a Zika resource page on its website for the travel industry. The group noted the World Health Organization has cautioned against issuing travel bans to areas where the virus has been detected. http://bit.ly/2aYQ74L
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