Is The Zika Virus A Threat In Central New York?

While the world is preparing for the Zika virus outbreak, should we be concerned here in Central New York?

According to the CDC, the Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. Each summer in our area, we usually have to worry about diseases transmitted from mosquitoes. Good news though, the type of mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus are not found in Central New York, according to experts.

The mosquitoes that transmit Zika flourish in tropical areas, but have difficulty surviving cold winters. A rapidly growing outbreak of Zika in the Caribbean islands and Latin American countries has been declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization."

According to Laura Harrington, a Cornell University entomologist, even with the threat of global warming, it would take decades before these mosquitoes could adapt to Central New York's climate.

However, travel with caution to countries that are experiencing outbreaks. Seven Zika cases have been confirmed in New York state, including one in Monroe County.

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