Gov. Larry Hogan declared April 24 through April 30 as Zika Awareness Week in Maryland and has been organizing educational events with local health departments. Baltimore city officials say they are spraying insecticide, educating residents on prevention and administering safety kits to pregnant residents. The state-funded kits include information, mosquito repellent and condoms for protection against sexual transmission of the virus.
Baltimore residents will also be able to dial 311 to report issues of standing water that often matriculate in trash or discarded containers and can provide breeding grounds to mosquitoes.
Leana Wen, MD, Baltimore’s health commissioner, is urging residents to proactively monitor their own yards for mosquito-friendly debris.
“There is no vaccine and no cure for Zika. That’s why prevention and education are key…every citizen can help keep Zika out of Baltimore by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds in their communities and taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites,” Dr. Wen told the Sun.
More articles on the Zika virus:
Hawaii reaches milestone in dengue fight, but officials warn of Zika outbreak possibility
Missouri health officials report Zika case in pregnant woman
CDC, OSHA issue guidelines to protect workers from occupational exposure to Zika
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit