Winter plans and Zika

It appears that the zika virus is now established in Florida. The article makes it sound like it's a very localized infection. Maybe it is, but to me it seems likely that it's more widespread. By the way, I was in that general area back in February.

This young sailing couple cut their Caribbean sailing adventure short due to zika. Their concern is that might want to have children in the near future. The more you know about zika, the more that looks like a good decision. It's a shame to have to end a fantastic adventure, but sometimes you have to be an adult.


My lovely wife and I are past the age of having children of our own. That removes one major worry. At first I thought our main worry would be flu like symptoms. While it sucks, that's something that can be dealt with.

Unfortunately, there are other concerns. While the science isn't all in on this one, it appears there may be other neurological issues associated with the virus. My lovely wife is already dealing with those sorts of issues so I suspect zika could make things much worse for her. Right now, we just don't know.

One thing I do know is that we go to places in Florida that are just lousy with mosquitoes. We either camp in the woods or anchor our sailboat near marshy areas. I'd even planned on going back to the Everglades. As it is, the park closes some primitive campsites part of the year due to the huge numbers of mosquitoes. Even in the “slow” season, mosquitoes will get you.

I'm carefully monitoring the zika situation. It's of serious enough concern that I'm going to make sure our house is totally prepared for winter. We just might sit this one out. Winter cold beats mosquito born disease.

-Sixbears