New Insecticide for Zika Poses Many Risks

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While many believe the new insecticide Naled will control the spread of Zika, others are concerned about health and environmental risks.

Emily Schemenauer, Staff Reporter

Although the there are many gaps in the knowledge of the Zika virus, there is currently a vast amount of research being acquired, and our intelligence of the virus is steadily growing.

So far there have been 56 local cases of the Zika virus in Florida, and 596 travel associated cases. In attempt to control the viral nature of Zika, the city of Miami conducted aerial spraying of insecticides, like Naled, in populated areas they believe have a high presence of mosquitoes. However there are concerns about the health of residents. Linked to numerous neurological disorders, the insecticide Naled, is far from a perfect remedy in preventing Zika. This poses as a risk for the entirety of the environment, including wildlife. The United States has used Naled since the 1950s, and sprays 16 million acres of land annually, but this insecticide is banned I the European Union, which considers it “a potential and unacceptable risk”, according to the Official Journal of the European Union.

The big question many residents in Miami and Florida have is- which one is worse? Some believe the Zika Virus poses the greatest risk. while others think the insecticide is more harmful.

While the population waits for a better method of prevention, people are also awaiting the unknown risks that are being pushed on the humans and the environment. With a recent loss of over 3 million bees, it is no question that the environment is seeing negative effects of the insecticides.

So for now the world is playing a waiting game that is out of the people’s