Risk is increased during the summer months
Recent research from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) aimed to predict the likelihood, timing and location of possible Zika virus outbreaks in U.S. cities.
Risk of a Zika outbreak in U.S. cities is greatly increased during the summer months, UCAR researchers noted, as the Aedes aegypti mosquito will appear more regularly across the southern and eastern U.S. as the weather warms. This mosquito is largely responsible for the spreading the virus in much of Latin America and the Caribbean.
#Zika risk estimated for U.S. cities https://t.co/6STA4iL1KO #meteorology, #travel + #socioeconomics play role pic.twitter.com/0Vb1HYQETx
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Seasonal risk
The risk will be largest across the warmer summer months, according to the study, while moderate risk will be present in various regions of the U.S. in both spring and fall.
Winter temperatures will be too cold for the Aedes aegypti mosquito in the U.S., except for in southern Florida and southern Texas.
Vulnerability will increase in many southern regions of the U.S. if above-average temperatures occur. However, certain regions in southern Texas, Arizona, and California would actually see a decrease in risk with above-average temperatures, as the extreme hot would not be suitable for the mosquitos.
Widespread outbreak unlikely
According to the study, even if climate conditions considered favorable to the Aedes aegypti mosquito occur in the U.S. this summer, a widespread outbreak is still unlikely.
The prevalence of air-conditioned and more controlled, sealed homes and offices would help to quell any potential outbreak.
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