FAN FREAKIN TASTIC. Two confirmed cases of the Zika virus have been found in Lee County, FL (MY county, mind you). Now…

@sarahemccormick, I haven't heard of that What is it??

a case is close to me also not even an hour away. what does it do ?

i havent heard of that and am in polk county...what is it?

this is from the CDC website about the Zika virus

Surely it can't affect your baby's brain since it's fully developed? I'm hoping?!? Bug spray, lady! It's so dang freaky!!

The virus causes severe brain deformities and potential death to babies whos mothers have been bit by an infected mosquito @justmarriedhavingaboy @ashley89 @krstokes2016

Omg . does the same happen to the .mother? I had one on me the other day !!! Ugh @sarahemccormick

awww awesome...and i live around lakes, swamp, and groves

That's scary. 😳

@butturfli, Apparently the brain is still developing up until 39 weeks, so Im not in the clear by another 7 weeks or so. Also, they are warning that the mosquitos that bite during the day carry the virus as well. With all the rain we've had over the past couple weeks and all the standing water, its a prime environment for mosquitoes to breed. 😧

@gabbybritt, omg that is scary! mosquitos r really scary these days

There's the West Nile virus here in Los Angeles, so it's always best to follow protocol. Wear long sleeves and long pants. I heard we should use mosquito spray too but I'm not sure if that's safe for pregnancy

@ashley89, The mother can have symptoms such as joint pain, rash, pink eye, and fever, and are generally mild to adults. For developing babies, thats where the real threat lies.

o gosh I'm one state over, that's scary

@bellahali, Oh yeah, wr have that here too - but for some reason, Im not quite as worried about that as I am with the Zika.

I actually used to work for a place that dealt specifically with researching cures for malaria and mosquito borne disease prevention. I worked with a lot of entomologists (bug scientists) and did a LOT of research on various mosquito borne illnesses. I learned a lot. Zika really IS something to be worried about in pregnancy. I reccomend the use of a good mosquito repellent with DEET, which is safe for pregnancy. Also, citronella candles outside the front snd back door of your home, and not heading outside at all after dark.

@torrilove14, yes it is! Just keep up with the news or check the CDC's website for updates on the virus. Hopefully it doesn't make its way to GA, but sadly, the entire South is projected to get it, and come summertime, so will the rest of the country.

FREAKING ME OUT!!

yea unfortunately, it's funny how all of sudden this is now showing up. kinda make you wonder what are we being distracted from now smh.

I live in right outside Gainesville in the swamp. I told my hubby about this and now I don't go outside at night. call me paranoid I'm not taking chances!

According to the CDC while there are confirmed cases in the US, these are not people who contracted the virus here. There is only one case in Dallas where the virus was contracted here and that was from sexual contact with someone who contracted it in South America. It's still best to take precautionary measures, but not something to panic over.

Well the issue with the panic, and what they are worrying about, is the fact that we have THOUSANDS of mosquitoes out here day and night. If just one mosquito were to bite an infected individual, the virus will then become 'home grown' and can theb be passed around from person too person with each individual bite. The two cases they found in our county here, those people may have been bitten by local mosquitos, causing major worry. @rebcamdot

Thank you for the tips! I'll most definitely get repellent with Deet and some citronella candles!

This freaks me out I live in Lee county too 🙁

I'm not too far from you