The Zika
Virus seems to be the current biological threat on most people’s tongues today.
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During my
tenure with the US Army, during the late 70’s through the 80’s we were
preparing to fight a Chemical, Nuclear, and Biological war against the then
Soviet Block in Eastern Europe.
Each of
these scenarios have uniquely different Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures
(TTP’s) to mitigate their effects. On the Biological front the best form of
defense is being healthy. Yes I know, being healthy is not an absolute, but it
is the best place to start when combating biological infections.
The next
best protective factor is not to get bitten. What a concept. How do we do that?
Clothing, Long Sleeves, and Long
Pants
Mosquito Netting where you sleep
Insect Repellant
I for one
have never heard of the Zika Virus until just recently, I’m certain most of you
have not either. Did Zika suddenly just become a fresh new threat to the human existence?
No. It was first discovered in 1947 and
is named after the Zika forest of Uganda where the first human cases were
detected.
Prior to
2007 only 14 cases were reported. That may be because the symptoms are similar to
other diseases and may not have been diagnosed correctly.
Of note - if
a non Zika carrying mosquito bites an infected person, it can then transmit the
pathogen to other people.
Go to The Center
for Disease Control (CDC) for useful information; http://www.cdc.gov/zika/
Till next time
“Be Safe”
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