The Zika Virus in Kansas City?

As you’ve probably noticed, the Zika virus continues to dominate headlines across the globe. In recent weeks, the CDC has identified cases in 24 different countries, and concerns over transmission through the United States continue to rise. All in all, the news is pretty bad … especially considering how little is actually known about the disease.

While there is no immediate threat here in the Kansas City area, Zika is an emerging disease that, until very recently, has not been well-documented. It’s hard to know how fast it will spread, and if (or when) the Aedes Aegypti Mosquito that carries the virus will arrive here. Regardless, however, it’s important to be prepared …

Did you know most people with Zika don’t even realize they’ve been infected? Sure, the mosquito that transmitted the virus left an itchy bite behind, but beyond that, any symptoms are very mild. Sore joints, a headache, and maybe some red, itchy eyes are common, but can be explained away by seasonal allergies and fatigue. A low fever might develop, but won’t last long, and is usually nothing to worry about.

So why all the concern?

A Zika infection is a devastating diagnosis for expectant mothers. They are the most at risk as the virus causes SEVERE birth defects to an unborn fetus; namely, microcephaly, a rare condition in which a child’s skull is abnormally small and which causes brain damage. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, there were 150 reported cases of microcephaly in 2014 … last year, as the result of the Zika virus spreading throughout Brazil, the total spiked to over 4,000.

The unexpected rise in viral transmission has shocked researchers, leading to the constant updates by news outlets worldwide. To compound the problem, there is no known vaccine to prevent infection. The best option currently available to stop Zika is effective mosquito control … and thankfully, with the right products and application methods, mosquitoes are easily managed.

The Zika virus is just one of a huge number of diseases spread by the mosquito. We don’t often see serious illnesses around here, but in other parts of the world, these flying insects are much more than just an annoying backyard nuisance … they can be deadly. In fact, they’re responsible for an estimated one million deaths annually! That’s why protecting yourself, your family, and your pets with preventative applications is so important … plus, seasonal lawn treatments will keep the backyard comfortable and bug-free! After all, nobody likes mosquitoes at a BBQ.

Benjamin Lawn & Landscape is a licensed distributor of the most effective pest prevention product on the market today. It’s designed specifically to treat lawns and gardens, and is completely safe for people, plants, and pets. It controls more than 75 types of insects – not just mosquitoes. And best of all, it REALLY WORKS! Just one treatment will keep the bugs at bay for 3-4 weeks.

Please give us a call to schedule a spring treatment and stop the pest problem before it begins!