A Note for Mission Participants Concerning Zika
Zika is a terrible disease wreaking havoc in Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and now Florida. Here is what the CDC says about it:
What we know
•Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters. They can also bite at night.
•Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.
•There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
•The Florida Department of Health has identified an area in one neighborhood of Miami where Zika is being spread by mosquitoes
Please see all Zika related material on the CDC website:
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/about/index.html
Making a Decision
As we consider travel to these regions for the sake of God’s mission, we must consider the impact of this disease and make wise decisions about our participation. Of course, a decision to travel to a Zika area is a personal decision and must be made by you with prayer and counsel from friends and family as well as your doctor. We can be sure that God’s mission will move forward, with or without you and with or without Zika and other dangers. Of course, the vast of majority travel to these areas with no problems.
How we take the Risk into Account
Zika is a terrible disease wreaking havoc in Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and now Florida. Here is what the CDC says about it:
What we know
•Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters. They can also bite at night.
•Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.
•There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
•The Florida Department of Health has identified an area in one neighborhood of Miami where Zika is being spread by mosquitoes
Please see all Zika related material on the CDC website:
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/about/index.html
Making a Decision
As we consider travel to these regions for the sake of God’s mission, we must consider the impact of this disease and make wise decisions about our participation. Of course, a decision to travel to a Zika area is a personal decision and must be made by you with prayer and counsel from friends and family as well as your doctor. We can be sure that God’s mission will move forward, with or without you and with or without Zika and other dangers. Of course, the vast of majority travel to these areas with no problems.
How we take the Risk into Account
- If you are pregnant or hoping to be pregnant soon, don’t go. (Of course, we humbly acknowledge that brothers and sisters who live in Zika areas do not have this option)
- Wear appropriate clothing and mosquito repellant at all times.
- Use rooms with screens, mosquito nets, and/or AC to lessen the risk of contact.
- Share what we know and what we have with overseas partners (share your spray).
