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Taking steps to prevent Zika

After announcing a free tire recycling day to be held in May, the city of Benton is taking further precautions to prevent the potential spread of the Zika virus.

The outbreak of the Zika virus began close to a year ago in Brazil, and has since spread across South and Central America, with cases reported in the United States. The virus is spread through bites from certain species of mosquito. Ten cases have been confirmed in Illinois

To help prevent the development of the Zika virus, the city of Benton planned to enforce their ordinance preventing tires from being left outside. As tires can collect water, which creates breeding grounds for mosquitos, Benton officials recommend that tires be sprayed with rubbing alcohol, sealed in plastic bags and kept indoors or in a garage. If tires are kept outdoors past the pickup date, the city will issue a fine.

As the Zika Virus is still relatively new, information is still being discovered about causes, symptoms, and prevention.

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms for Zika include fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms can also include muscle pain or a headache.

• While the virus is usually mild, with symptoms lasting several days to a week after development, pregnant women and those looking to conceive are more at risk, as studies have shown that the virus can have damaging affects on a fetus.

• The virus normally remains in the blood of an infected person for about a week; those who have been infected are likely to be protected from future infections.

There is currently no medicine to prevent or treat the Zika virus, so authorities have advised the public to;

• Prevent mosquito bites by using spray, etc., or avoiding heavily infested areas

• Stop mosquitos from spreading by discarding or treating growth spots for mosquitos, such as tires.

Those who believe they may have contracted the Zika virus should seek treatment with a medical professional.