The World Health Organization declared the Zika virus a global emergency, and just yesterday, the CDC announced their investigation of 14 reports of the virus in the continental United States. With the Olympics quickly approaching in Brazil, the country most affected by the spread of the virus so far, what does this mean for travelers as well as those local to New England?

Tony Kiszewski, associate professor of natural and applied sciences at Bentley, is a public health entomologist specializing in sustainable interventions against vector-borne diseases in the developing world. Wondering if there will soon be a cure and if you are vulnerable to Zika? Professor Kiszewski offers the following thoughts:
 

• “It is not out of the question for Zika to be transmitted in the Boston area seasonally, particularly if travelers to Brazil or other countries return with infections during the summer time. However, there is no risk in winter. The risk here would begin in June and last through October. Any insect repellent would offer protection, but particularly products containing DEET, picaridin or PMD. Zika vectors bite only during the daylight hours. Night-time biting mosquitoes do not seem to be a factor.”
   
• “It is certainly possible that some of our local mosquitoes would be capable of transmitting Zika after biting an infected, recently-traveled person. We cannot say for sure whether our native species can be involved in transmission, only these new invasives.”
   
• “Climate change is certainly a factor because this warmer than normal winter will probably allow certain types of Zika-capable mosquitoes to survive further north than usual and be present to pick up and transmit the virus given an opportunity.”
   
• “Homeowners can reduce risk by making sure there is no standing water on their properties, particularly in artificial containers like automobile tires, flower pots, buckets, and gutters.
   
• “Because research on Zika vaccines has only recently begun, the WHO cannot bring a vaccine to market anytime soon, likely within a decade.”
  
  Professor Kiszewski is available for media comment on the types of mosquitoes that are likely to carry the Zika virus, as well as the depth of its impact globally and nationally.

If you would like to learn more or arrange to an interview, please contact Joanna Howarth, jhowarth@bentley.edu, 781-891-2725.