TUSCALOOSA, Alabama, June 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As news of the Zika virus continues to dominate headlines, health experts recommend taking precautionary measures, including installing insect screening, to help prevent further spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
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Warnings of the recent Zika outbreak gained traction earlier this year after the disease spread to almost every country in the Americas. On Feb. 1, the Zika virus was declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization. On April 13, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report confirming that the Zika virus can cause a rare birth defect called microcephaly, a neurological disorder that results in babies being born with abnormally-small heads and developmental issues.
While efforts to find a vaccine are underway, in the meantime, education and prevention are key. Installing or repairing damaged insect screens is a simple, low-cost home improvement that can be completed as a DIY project or by a local contractor. Phifer Incorporated, the world’s largest and only Made in the U.S.A. manufacturer of insect screening, is actively participating in forums and on-site visits to brainstorm ideas for installing insect screening in various types of windows, doors and openings, including areas outside of the U.S. Other CDC-recommended precautions include wearing long sleeves and pants, applying insect repellent and placing netting over infant carriers when outside.
Mosquito-borne diseases account for millions of deaths annually. Other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes include West Nile, yellow fever and encephalitis.
For more information on the complete line of Phifer insect screening products, visit the company website at www.phifer.com.
ABOUT PHIFER
Founded in 1952 by J. Reese Phifer and located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Phifer is a family-owned, diversified manufacturer of woven wire, cutting-edge, fiberglass and polyester screen products for windows and doors, interior and exterior solar screening, sling and cushion furniture fabrics, drawn metal wire and engineered products used in a variety of industrial applications.
