How Can I Protect Myself from Zika Virus?

May 5, 2016

If you’ve tuned into the news recently, chances are you’ve heard about growing international concern about the mosquito-transmitted Zika virus. Here’s what you need to know, and how outdoor workers like you can use Tyndale’s exclusive line of FRMC® garments with Perimeter Insect Guard™ for protection.

Although the virus was first discovered in 1947, few cases were documented and outbreaks were generally limited to Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands until more recently. In May 2015, a case was confirmed in Brazil. Since then, this mosquito-transmitted virus began to spread rapidly in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In February 2016 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), with outbreaks occurring in many other countries and territories.

The first locally-acquired mosquito-borne Zika cases in the United States were reported in Florida at the end of July 2016; until these reports, only travel-associated cases had been reported within the US. Local mosquito-borne cases have been reported in US territories for several months.

What are the risks?

Typically the virus causes fever, rash, joint pain, and redness in the eyes lasting several days. However, the virus is dangerous to pregnant women and unborn children because it can cause a birth defect called microcephaly. Complicating this risk, in addition to mosquito bites, researchers have learned the virus can be transmitted through sexual contact and blood.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also learning that it can cause serious risks for all adults, linking the virus in a small percentage of cases with Guillain-Barre syndrome – a neurological disorder that can cause paralysis – and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) – an autoimmune disorder that attacks the brain and spinal cord.

Research around the virus is ongoing; monitor CDC.gov for new information.

How can I protect myself?

The best way to protect yourself is to avoid contact with mosquitos. InsectRepellentGarments

If you work for an electric utility, in oil and gas extraction, or another outdoor work environment where there are also arc flash or flash fire risks, remember: insect repellents containing DEET are highly flammable and should never be used with flame resistant (FR) clothing. Flammable repellents like these can ignite in an arc flash or flash fire incident, contributing to injury even though your FR clothing will self-extinguish.

Protect yourself from disease-carrying mosquitos, ticks, and other annoying insects with Tyndale’s FRMC® garments with Perimeter Insect Guard™. This non-flammable repellent is safe for use with FR clothing and repels insects for 50+ launderings! It’s approved and recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and WHO as a safe and effective method of preventing insect-transmitted diseases. Watch how the treatment stops insects in their tracks!