Zika threatens

This is Paul Janensch with a Treasure Coast Essay about Zika fever. Martin County reported a case in early May.  Then more cases were reported there.  Then cases were reported in St. Lucie County.  The situation is more serious to the south.  Miami Beach has been especially hard hit.  Zika is transmitted usually by mosquitoes from one human to another.  Named for the Zika Forest in Uganda, it spread from Africa and Asia to the Americas.  For adults, the symptoms are mild. Aching joints, rash, slight fever.  But if Zika migrates from a pregnant woman to her unborn child, it can cause severe birth deformities.  There is no vaccine or cure.  So avoid mosquitoes.  Apply insect repellent.  Empty water from outdoor containers.  Don’t panic.  But don’t be complacent, either.  I’m Paul Janensch.