March of Dimes begins new campaign against zika at #ZAPzika

March of Dimes is extremely concerned about the risks of the Zika virus to pregnant women and babies. The organization is working to provide education and is advocating for funding to provide more resources to combat Zika and has launched a new #ZAPzika campaign (short for Zika Awareness and Protection).

This provides the essentials of Zika infection protection in both English and Spanish and urges people to share the information with friends. The Five Tips for prevention are:

• Use spray, keep mosquitoes away: make sure it’s EPA registered.

• Say you will, embrace the chill: use air conditioning and window screens if possible.

• If it’s wet, it’s a threat: remove still water.
• Get protected, not infected: wear clothes to prevent bites. Use a condom to prevent sexual transmission.
•
If you suspect, then connect: call your health care provider if you are at risk of infection.

The organization also maintains up-to-the-minute information and materials for women and families on its website and social media.

All of the information is drawn from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and other trusted sources, and is available in both English and Spanish. More information is available at: zapzika.org and nacersano.org/zika.

Earlier this summer, Congress adjourned without passing legislation to provide more federal resources to combat Zika. The March of Dimes is seeking thousands of signatures on an online petition urging Congress to pass Zika funding immediately upon their return in September. The petition is available at marchofdimes.org/zikapetition.

The March of Dimes focuses on pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefited from the organization’s research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. For more information go to http://www.marchofdimes.org or www.nacersano.org.  You can also find March of Dimes on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.