The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness
Local

D.C. Department of Health plans to distribute Zika virus prevention kits

By
May 5, 2016 at 10:28 p.m. EDT
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Zika virus and its spread across North and South America. (Video: Daron Taylor, Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post)

There’s a donut-shaped disk filled with bacteria that’s toxic to mosquito larvae. Then there’s bug spray and condoms.

After three people who traveled to the District were diagnosed with the Zika virus, officials plan to hand out kits filled with these special items to educate and stop the spread of the disease.

CDC confirms Zika virus causes microcephaly, other birth defects

The D.C. Department of Health will host community outreach sessions in all eight wards on Saturday (May 14) and July 16 about the virus, which can spread via mosquitoes or through sexual contact. Officials said during the sessions, residents will receive Zika prevention kits, learn about the proper use of insecticides and how to reduce mosquito breeding sites in the community.

“There’s no reason for people to panic,” said Ronald King, an agency spokesman, “We’re just trying to get ahead of it and get information out to folks.”

What you need to know about the Zika virus

Next weekend’s session is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Session locations are as follows: Banneker Recreation Center, 2500 Georgia Ave. NW; Jelleff Recreation Center, 3265 S St.; Chevy Chase Community Center, 5601 Connecticut Ave. NW; Emery Recreation Center, 5801 Georgia Ave. NW; Brentwood Recreation Center, 2311 14th St. NE; Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th St. NW; Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th St. NE; and Bald Eagle Recreation Center, 100 Joliet St. SW.

First Zika virus-related death reported in U.S. in Puerto Rico

For more information, contact the agency’s animal services program at (202) 442-5833 or email mosquito.info@dc.gov.