One thing we all can agree on is that we hate mosquitoes. The annoying little bugs can make the most fun outdoor activity miserable. Their bites are itchy and the bumps they leave behind are unsightly. But even worse the pests can spread dangerous, and sometimes deadly, diseases including West ... Read More ›
Zika
Zika is what is known as a flavivirus and it’s related to some other diseases you may have heard of before such as West Nile, dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya.
Although Zika was first isolated in the Zika Forest in Uganda in 1947, the first human cases were seen in 1952. Human cases popped up from time to time across Africa and Asia, but it remained quite rare to see a case from the 1960s through the early 2000s.
UPDATED:August 12, 2017
UPDATED:July 20, 2016
The shocking reason you should never scratch mosquito bites!
Summertime is in full swing. That means lots of time spend outside enjoying the warm weather. But it is also means more bug bites. Now no one likes a mosquito bite. They’re irritating and unsightly. But it turns out giving in to that universal urge to scratch the itch produced by a mosquito bit ... Read More ›
UPDATED:June 29, 2016
Answers to your top 8 questions about the Zika virus
Turn on the television or log onto the internet, and you’re going to be bombarded with frightening images and news about the Zika virus. Yet, despite all that coverage it’s easy to feel confused. That’s why we’ve gathered together the 8 most frequently asked questions about the Zika virus in one ... Read More ›
UPDATED:June 29, 2016
Legislators using Zika panic to push lousy pesticide bill
Warm weather has descended on America, and along with it Zika panic. And there’s no doubt about it, the stories are frightening. Devastating birth defects and a terrifying—and sometimes even deadly—neurological condition are enough to induce a bit of panic in even the most stoic among us. So ... Read More ›
UPDATED:June 29, 2016
Can yarrow tincture repel Zika mosquitoes?
With Zika and other mosquito-spread diseases in the headlines everyday it’s no wonder so many of us are looking for ways to protect ourselves against these blood–sucking bugs. But if you have concerns about the insect repellant DEET you’re far from alone. Today we’re going to introduce you to ... Read More ›
UPDATED:June 29, 2016
Q&A: If I’m not pregnant should I worry about Zika?
Q: Dear Healthier Talk, Every time I turn on the news or go online I see another story about the Zika virus. Everything I see or hear about it is scary, but I have to admit I’m a bit confused. I’m hoping you can clear something up for me. I’m not pregnant and I’m past my child-bearing years. ... Read More ›
UPDATED:June 7, 2017
CDC admits essential oil may be as effective as DEET for mosquitoes?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta may have finally admitted that products using oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE or PMD) can provide longer lasting protection against mosquitoes, just as the toxic chemical bug repellent DEET does. Mosquitoes can spread dangerous, and ... Read More ›
UPDATED:July 20, 2016
Natural bug repellent wards off biting pests [Even the zika mosquito!]
When it comes to repelling all kinds of insects, nature has a very good plan. Safe ways to keep the bugs at bay that don’t involve covering yourself from head to toe with toxic chemicals – especially important to avoid with young children. A natural bug repellent lets you... Protect yourself ... Read More ›
