Dr. Preetha Iyengar, medical epidemiologist with DC Health dept describing what's in the Zika prevention kits @wtop pic.twitter.com/l2ppfY5SKg
— Kathy Stewart (@KStewartWTOP) July 16, 2016
Zika prevention kits handed out at Columbia Heights Community Center NW, DC. Scene was repeated across city. @WTOP pic.twitter.com/R31Q8rSTqh
— Kathy Stewart (@KStewartWTOP) July 16, 2016
WASHINGTON — D.C. health officials were back out in the community on Saturday teaching residents about the Zika virus and handing out Zika prevention kits. This was part two of the “Fight the Bite” campaign launched in May.
“It’s a very good thing that they’re doing this and making people aware of it,” said Judith Delaney, who attended a “Fight the Bite” event at the Columbia Heights Community Center in Ward 1.
Events were held at all eight of D.C.’s wards Saturday. District residents were told about the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus. D.C. officials said residents who were unable to get Zika virus prevention kits can get them at the health department.
Delaney said it was perfect timing to receive a Zika virus prevention kit since she’s having a family reunion on Sunday. The kit included insect repellant and mosquito dunks, which are put in standing water to kill mosquito eggs. The kit also included male and female condoms since Zika is carried by mosquitoes but it is sexually transmitted among humans.
At the event, Delaney showed off a large lump on her arm. It was a bug bite that she got 10 years ago. Her doctor told her it was too big to lance. She said any type of bug bite is concerning.
“It’s very concerning, actually,” She said, laughing nervously. “I’m glad other people are being made aware of it (Zika).”
