Zika Virus: Be Prepared with Ben's Tick & Insect Repellents

Littleton, NH. (February 2016) – With the recent announcement of the spread of the Zika Virus and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warning pregnant women not to travel to areas in Latin America and the Caribbean, there is increased conversation around insect-borne illnesses. Health officials most recently warned of the Zika Virus in the United States and the El Nino winter is also threatening to increase mosquito populations. Be prepared with effective insect repellents for protection from insect borne illnesses.

“Zika is not a new virus, but its spread across South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and apparent link to birth defects, are causes for concern,” said Eric Eaton, entomologist and principal author of Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. “Repellents with DEET, as the active ingredient can be applied per instructions (follow them to the letter). Empty reservoirs and containers that trap rainwater as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.”

Zika Virus Complications

There is evidence the virus may be linked to microcephaly, a condition in which a child is born with a small head and underdeveloped brain. The virus may also, rarely, trigger Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a type of autoimmune disease.

How Zika Spreads

Zika is transmitted by mosquitoes in the Aedes subfamily, though there has also been recent cases of Zika being transmitted sexually. Most individuals who contract the virus exhibit symptoms typical of the flu, and recover quickly.

Protection

Whether mosquito populations in the Gulf Coast states of the U.S. will become carriers of Zika is open to speculation, but considering the other illnesses vectored by mosquitoes, practice preventive measures such as wearing pants; long sleeves; and hats when outdoors. And being prepared by applying insect repellent prior to heading outdoors.

Ben’s 30 6-ounce Eco-Spray® (MSRP: $7.99) offers protection from ticks and insects that may carry West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, Malaria, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and other infectious diseases. Providing up to 8 hours of effective protection, Ben’s 30’s unique formula is made to evaporate slowly – so repellent stays on longer with little absorption into the skin. The 6-ounce continuous spray bottle provides effortless, even application.

For more information on the Zika Virus and other trending insect news, visit the Insectlopedia – www.insectlopedia.com.

About Tender Corporation 

Tender Corporation’s headquarters have been nestled in the heart of the White Mountains in Littleton, New Hampshire since 1975. The company is the proud manufacturer of the world-famous insect bite treatment, After Bite®, and now also has a breadth of brands spanning the preparedness industry. From a full line of well-known insect repellents, Ben’s® and Natrapel®, to first-aid and emergency preparedness brands like Adventure Medical Kits®, Easy Care First Aid™, Survive Outdoors Longer and After Burn® – they’ve got you covered. Always striving to be on the forefront of innovation, many of Tender’s products are packaged in ways that allow them to be both convenient to use and environmentally friendly. http://www.tendercorp.com. www.insectlopedia.com

About Eric Eaton

Eric R. Eaton is an entomologist and principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007), and contributor to several books including The Butterfly Gardener’s Guide (Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 2003) and Wild in the City: a guide to Portland’s natural areas (Oregon Historical Society Press, 2000). He has written articles on insects in various magazines. Eric serves as Tender Corporation’s insect expert. http://bugeric.blogspot.com/