First case of Zika in Urbana, Ohio
 

We had our first case of a Zika infected person in Urbana. A very healthy friend returned from a mission trip to Central America. Upon his return to Urbana, he developed all of the common symptoms of Zika and became quite sick. While he is now on the mend, Zika is now front and center on our list of things to prepare for on our return to the Villages. While my wife and I would still rather head south than to the Arctic, Zika is no fun!

Of course the very worst part of this virus is not the illness itself, but the incurable birth defect that it causes; microcephaly. An infant born with brain material missing is doomed to a shortened life with many handicaps. We must find a vaccine. We need Federal funds for this. It worries me a lot.

Heartbreaking pictures of little ones so affected. Our children and grandchildren of child bearing age are in danger. The world is in danger.

microcephaly - Bing images

I read an article in Smithsonian magazine about the pros and cons of genetically altering the Aedes mosquito to cause its demise. It is responsible for malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya and zika ~ as well as many others. The overall tone of the article was Yes, it should be done. There are many other breeds of mosquitoes to do whatever useful things mosquitoes do that don't carry disease.

My DH contracted Malaria during a dive trip to the Honduras in 2008. Wound up in intensive care for five days. I have a grudge against mosquitoes.

It has been our experience in nine years here that we do not have a lot of mosquitoes in The Villages. Whoever is in charge of that does it pretty well if you ask me.

Could it be the developers?

But it only takes one carrying Zika. That is why spraying isn't the complete answer.

Here are the symptoms of Zika. These articles seem to say that the illness itself is generally not serious.

symptoms of zika - Bing