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The CDC Says NYC Is Within Range Of The Zika Mosquito
By
Miranda Katz
Published Mar 31, 2016
Modified Mar 31, 2016
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CDC
By
Miranda Katz
Published Mar 31, 2016
Modified Mar 31, 2016
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The Center for Disease Control just updated its maps that show the range of the mosquito that's been transmitting Zika virus across Latin American and the Caribbean, and it's not great news for New York: the state's southern tip, including New York City, is now included in the range of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
This confirms projections made earlier this month, which suggested that the Zika-capable mosquito could make its way to New York this summer, particularly if the summer is warmer than normal—which seems quite likely. Officials had previously said that New York's climate was not hospitable to the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and that they were mostly concerned about its cousin, the Aedes albopictus, which has been known to transmit Zika virus elsewhere and is native to New York.
The CDC's previous maps just showed the Aedes aegypti in the southern part of the country, but those maps were about 12 years old, the AP reports. The updated maps show the mosquitoes' range extending well into the Midwest and Northeast.
The CDC is emphatic that these maps don't show the risk of contracting Zika, the number of mosquitoes in a particular area, or the exact locations of mosquitoes. Rather, they show areas where these two mosquitoes either are or have been seen in the past. One of these mosquitoes would have to bite someone who is already infected in order to spread the Zika virus.
"There are more places at risk than realize they're at risk, given where the mosquito is likely to be present," said CDC director Tom Frieden.
To date, there have been 25 cases of Zika virus in New York City, all of which were contracted while abroad. All of the patients have recovered.
Earlier this month, Governor Cuomo announced the state's action plan to fight Zika, should the virus begin to be transmitted in New York. The state will hand out 100,000 larvicide tablets in target regions, including New York City, to be dissolved in small containers of standing water, where the Aedes aegypti and albopictus mosquitoes are known to breed. Because there is believed to be a link between Zika virus in pregnant women and certain birth defects in newborns, and because the virus can be sexually transmitted, the state will also distribute free Zika protection kits containing insect repellant and condoms to pregnant women and their partners.
In most people, the Zika virus is mild: just one in five people infected is symptomatic, and the symptoms include a fever, rash, and conjunctivitis. The state Department of Health is offering free virus testing to anyone who has recently traveled to a Zika-affected country and is symptomatic; it will also offer that test to pregnant women whose partners have recently returned from a country with Zika transmission. If you think you've been exposed and want more information about free testing, you can call the state's Zika hotline at 1-888-364-4723.
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