People in the South are more likely to take precautions against the Zika virus than other parts of the country, according to a new poll.
The poll released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation discovered that people in southern states are taking action to reduce the mosquito population in and around their homes. The actions come as the Zika virus, which is spread via mosquito bites, has spread locally to nearly 150 people in Florida.
About 57 percent of southerners reported removing standing water in and around their home, a key way to halt mosquito populations. Another 24 percent had a pest control company spray insecticide on their property outside their home, and 18 percent inside it, Kaiser said.
Overall, about 46 percent of Americans surveyed removed standing water and 17 percent hired a pest control company to spray outside and 12 percent inside.
The South’s answers by region far outpaced other parts of the U.S. In the Midwest. About 44 percent reported removing standing water, and in the Northeast, about 39 percent reported doing the same.
Part of the survey’s findings may have to do with the vulnerability of southern states to Zika. The virus, which causes a mild illness and is linked to a birth defect, spreads primarily via the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
That breed is primarily located in the southern region of the U.S., but it is also found along the eastern seaboard.
Kaiser also surveyed which precautions people are taking to prevent the spread of Zika. The most popular was mosquito repellent (50 percent) and second was removing standing water (46 percent).
Another 42 percent avoided travel to another country where Zika is spreading. More than 40 countries and territories have experienced Zika outbreaks.
The poll was based on telephone surveys to 1,204 adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
