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Alternative EarthCare discusses the Miami Zika Outbreak and the Clinical Trial of a Zika Vaccine


LONG ISLAND, N.Y., August 2, 2016 Alternative Earthcare has been providing quality residential and commercial services across Long Island, New York since 1996. Specializing in mosquito, flea, and hampton’s tick control, traditional lawn services (including aeration and seeding), irrigation system services, tree removal and pruning, and Christmas and holiday light installation, the team of professionals successfully caters to your needs in the least toxic, most organic way possible.

By now, most people have heard of the dangerous Zika virus, which is transmitted through mosquitoes. The Zika virus has been spreading rapidly throughout Africa, and more recently, South America and Mexico. Now, it has made its way to the United States. Alternative Earthcare discusses the Miami Zika Outbreak and the Clinical Trial of a Zika Vaccine.

More than 6,400 cases of the mosquito-transmitted Zika virus have been reported in the U.S. and its territories. Until now, these cases have been contracted during travel and brought into the country. However, the country’s first Zika outbreak is now centered in a Miami neighborhood. There are two known strains of the virus. The African strain was the first to appear, but the Asian strain is the one which recently spread so rapidly in Brazil. Zika infections are usually asymptomatic, but some people can develop an illness that lasts about a week. The real concern is with the virus infecting pregnant women, leading to serious birth defects such as microcephaly as well as other fetal defects of the brain and organs.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has just launched a clinical trial of a Zika vaccine. A minimum of 80 volunteers between the ages of 18-35 will be participating in the study. No placebos will be used. Follow-up visits will continue for two years so that the durability of the immune response can be tested. It will take some time for a commercial vaccine to be available, so it is vitally important that this vaccine is tested immediately. Preliminary testing has been encouraging and the NIH is optimistic about the results.
With this dangerous virus now hitting home harder than before, it is essential that property owners are proactive in treating properties for mosquito populations. Homeowners should have property regularly treated to contain populations. A variety of sprays and treatments, both organic and synthetic, are available. In the case of outdoor events occurring before regular treatments have begun, emergency spraying treatments can also be arranged. Mosquito habitats, such as any standing water in buckets or kiddie pools, should be eliminated. Always use a repellent when spending time outdoors to minimize the risk of contracting the dangerous Zika virus.
Serving both Suffolk and Nassau County, including the East End and the Hamptons, Alternative Earthcare offers a variety of organic, non-toxic lawn care services for your home or business. In addition to beautifying and maintaining properties, the award-winning staff is also dedicated to the safety and health of their customers.