Texas Makes A Bold Move To Combat Zika
The Zika virus has recently infected a resident of Alaska, so if you think your safe living in a northern state, you are wrong. The southern states, most notably Florida and Texas, are taking bold measures this year in order to make sure that the Zika virus keeps from spreading. There have been numerous Zika victims in both Florida and Texas, but Texas is trying something new to combat the spread of Zika. Beginning on May 1st the Texas Board of Health and Human Services will include mosquito repellent within Medicaid benefits. This will allow every Medicaid recipient in Texas to have a free bottle of skeeter repellent in order to prevent the spread of the Zika virus and the West Nile virus.
This is also the first time that the state of Texas has extended their benefits to some boys and men. And all women between the ages of forty-five and fifty five will be given a free bottle of repellent no matter the circumstance. Eligible recipients can pick up their free bottle of repellent at any pharmacy in Texas, and without a prescription.
This benefit is for all pregnant women, women between the ages of ten and fifty-five and all males aged fourteen and up who are enrolled in Medicaid or other qualifying state-funded insurance programs. This benefit includes up to two cans of repellent per month, but this number could be even higher for residents that are living in areas that have been heavily affected by Zika.
State health officials are urging Texas residents to take as many precautions against mosquito bites as they can. For example, wearing long sleeves, using air conditioning, or making sure your window screens do not have any holes in them. Health officials in Texas are also urging residents to rid their foundations of any standing water that could attract mosquitoes.
Do you use mosquito repellent while spending time outdoors during the summer months?