September 2016 Moms
TheTamedShrew
member
yet another Zika virus post...
TheTamedShrew
member
Okay, I'm sorry to start another discussion about this, but I'm starting to really worry about some things:
1) I live in the southeast area (specifically right on the border of northwest GA and TN) and certain speculative maps are showing all of the south as possibly being affected, specifically the gulf-bordering states. All the way from Texas up to the Carolinas, and possibly all of the east coast up to NY could be affected as well. Does anyone else live in the south and are you having similar concerns? I jokingly told DH that I wanted to move to Denver from April-July. Here's a link with a map showing where the two types of mosquitos live in the U.S.
2)has anyone brought this up with their OB? If so, what did they say? I plan to ask mine about it at my next appointment on the 11th.
3) Our front and backyard are absolutely RAMPANT with mosquitos as soon as the temp gets above 60 around here. I get eaten alive every summer. Does anyone have any tips/advice on keeping your yard completely mosquito-free? We tried marigolds and candles last year, but they didn't make a huge difference.
4) I have been unable to find out if the threat disappears after 1st trimester. Some articles say the threat is possibly still there even into 2nd tri. Has anyone found info on this?
5) does anyone plan to vacation in the gulf or in FL this summer? We usually try to plan two beach vacations a year and we prefer the gulf beaches in FL. Now I'm thinking we might have to vacation on the Atlantic, but if I'm in 3rd trimester I may not have to worry at all?
I'm sorry for the fear mongering, but I live in the land of mosquitos and they love to bite me. It's hard not to be concerned, when there is no vaccine or any extensive information on the potential impact this could have in our country.
1) I live in the southeast area (specifically right on the border of northwest GA and TN) and certain speculative maps are showing all of the south as possibly being affected, specifically the gulf-bordering states. All the way from Texas up to the Carolinas, and possibly all of the east coast up to NY could be affected as well. Does anyone else live in the south and are you having similar concerns? I jokingly told DH that I wanted to move to Denver from April-July. Here's a link with a map showing where the two types of mosquitos live in the U.S.
2)has anyone brought this up with their OB? If so, what did they say? I plan to ask mine about it at my next appointment on the 11th.
3) Our front and backyard are absolutely RAMPANT with mosquitos as soon as the temp gets above 60 around here. I get eaten alive every summer. Does anyone have any tips/advice on keeping your yard completely mosquito-free? We tried marigolds and candles last year, but they didn't make a huge difference.
4) I have been unable to find out if the threat disappears after 1st trimester. Some articles say the threat is possibly still there even into 2nd tri. Has anyone found info on this?
5) does anyone plan to vacation in the gulf or in FL this summer? We usually try to plan two beach vacations a year and we prefer the gulf beaches in FL. Now I'm thinking we might have to vacation on the Atlantic, but if I'm in 3rd trimester I may not have to worry at all?
I'm sorry for the fear mongering, but I live in the land of mosquitos and they love to bite me. It's hard not to be concerned, when there is no vaccine or any extensive information on the potential impact this could have in our country.
Re: yet another Zika virus post...
I'm going to ask my doctor on Monday since I do have a Bar Mitzvah close to Miami towards the summer. I can skip it if need be but I was hoping to go.
I'm not in the south, but our part of Pa does have mosquitos pretty bad. I'm growing more concerned about this as well.
I am going to the bahamas next week on a 3 night cruise (still not on the CDC list of affected countries). I talked with my OB and basically all she said was to cover up and wear bug spray.
BFP: 8/11/18 Due: 4/26/18
A few things you can do for your backyard, plant herbs like lavender, citronella, peppermint which grows like crazy, they keep mosquitoes away, also a tip that's been in the news here is to spread used coffee grounds all around the yard or patio even your deck, it's a natural repellent and of course do not leave standing water anywhere, if it rains make sure you empty out anything that might be holding water, a plant pot or anything.
Zika is scary but if you take precautions you shouldn't worry too much. I was born and raised here and dengue fever is endemic, there is also another mosquito spread disease called chikungunya and I have never gotten either of them, thank God.
Together since 2006
Married 01.17.15
Until then, the best we can do is what we've all planned on doing for our babies. Stay informed, stay positive, and be proactive (repellent, plants, coffee grinds (thanks @fiorip hadn't heard that one).
2) I am going to talk to my OB about it in early March, but I'll more likely be following CDC and WHO updates to decide if I'll still go on vacation.
3) Candles are useless. They protect the candle and that's about it
4) The discovery of the link between Zika and microcephaly is fairly new, so unfortunately, it doesn't seem like too much is known yet. Including how far into pregnancy it is a concern.
5) Regarding a vacation, I'd keep an eye on it. So far there have been NO locally transmitted cases of Zika reported - only those from travelers. That means it might not even be circulating in the FL mosquitoes this summer, but it's also possible that they are. Looking at the map, I would imagine that the Atlantic coast of FL is at just as much risk for mosquito bites as the gulf coast FL.
And also because someone mentioned it. If you're worried about sexually transmitting Zika - use a condom! Hopefully, that would prevent the spread of it. And you're already pregnant, so it's not like it's going to prevent a desired pregnancy from happening.
And also this lovely article gave me some peace of mind!
We spray our yard every year and it helps a lot. We found something that's pet friendly because we have a dog that licks/eats everything. Hopefully it's pregnant lady friendly as well. We've tried every plant imaginable without luck.
Update with the CDC website about it:
https://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/question-answers.html
Married: 10/29/09
DD born: 11/30/10
Edit to answer your question above. My husbands team doctor said he was informed that the threat is during the first few weeks of conception (around 3-6 weeks). But this is just what I have been told.
DD #1 3/26/13
Mo/Mo twins MMC 3/31/14
DD #2 3/31/15
DD #3 8/25/16
Question: Anyone know if the Zika virus is spread only when people show signs of it (IE in the first few days of incubation), or once anyone is infected can a mosquito use their blood to spread it (total infection period of 12-21 days)?
As PP said, the people who've tested positive most likely became infected by an Aedes mosquito elsewhere as it's difficult to contract human to human without sexual contact. I wouldn't "bubble yourself" up until the weather gets above 60 again.
We did buy a little bug free tent thing for when I have to be out in the back yard.
The county has always sprayed for mosquitos I'm sure that will be more frequent. There am has been talk about returning to using DDT.
I'm on the look out for really good bug spray and I will wear pants and long sleeves while outside. But ill probably be inside as it gets warmer.
We also are installing a spray system to spray three times a day.
BFP #2 12/22/15, EDD 9/1/16
The reason we need to be concerned about cases in our area is that those people can infect our mosquitos if they are bitten once they're back in the states. Then those mosquitos can infect other people. So I don't imagine it will be long before it's here.
BFP - 01/04/2016; EDD - 09/15/2016 DS #1 - 07/2014
1) use repellent with deet, it is safe for pregnant women
2) clean any water containers, pools, etc the aedes reproduction occur mostly in clean water.
3) take care during the whole pregnancy and not only during the first trimester.
4) be aware of any symptoms
5) when possible, do not travel to any place where the virus has spread... Mosquitoes are able to travel up to 1km...
Every day there are new things coming out and not much is confirmed..., I am constantly trying to be informed (BC I am too worried !
Be safe!
As for our yard, we already planned to spray it, so I hope that helps keep them away. I'll probably use it as my excuse to stay indoors.
http://www.laviemclean.com/
Also, we are planning a trip to Florida in May. I really don't want to cancel since it will be the kids first trip to Disney and we won't be going back soon after the baby is born.