THE ZIKA VIRUS AND YOU: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda. It is primarily spread to people through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy, and it can be sexually transmitted by a man to his partners. While most people who contract the virus have very mild or no symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established a link between Zika infection during pregnancy and serious birth defects and other poor pregnancy outcomes. According to the CDC, there is also the potential for other serious neurological impacts in some people who are infected with Zika.
Currently, outbreaks of Zika are occurring in many countries and territories around the world, but especially in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The State of Florida has also confirmed local transmissions of the Zika virus in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. In addition, we know that the mosquito that transmits this virus lives in other parts of the southern United States, and that Zika can also spread in another type of mosquito that is present throughout much of the United States.
At this time, there is no vaccine to prevent this disease and no medicine to treat it. The best way for people to avoid infection by mosquitoes is to protect themselves from getting bitten. The CDC recommends taking the following action:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside your home.
- Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol. Choosing an EPA-registered repellent ensures the EPA has evaluated the product for effectiveness. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
To learn more about the Zika Virus, visit www.cdc.gov/zika
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
OTHER NEWS
Financial Workshop Series
The Black Women's Agenda, Inc., under the sponsorship of The Coca-Cola Company and in collaboration with BWA National Collaborating Organizations, proudly presents its virtual learning series of Financial Workshops as a part of I Am the Change: Empowerment Through Economic Freedom. This three-part series, hosted by financial expert Martin Booker of AARP and featuring illustrious guest speakers, is designed to impart essential skills to help black women to unlock their financial potential and take charge of their economic well-being.
BWA AND COMMON CAUSE
The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA) has partnered with Common Cause, an organization fighting for an accountable government, equal rights / opportunities / representation and empowering voices in the political process to get out the vote and protect the vote. This partnership will allow individuals and organizations to expand their community outreach by ensuring that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count.
The Election Protection Program provides Americans from coast to coast with comprehensive information and assistance at all stages of voting – from registration, to absentee and early voting, to casting a vote at the polls, to overcoming obstacles to their participation.
I Matter: I Vote BWA 43rd Symposium Town Hall
WASHINGTON, DC – Friday, September 18, 2020 – The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA) went on the offensive today, hosting a virtual town hall devoted to protecting and securing the voting rights of African Americans and other people of color during its 43rd Annual Symposium. Moderated by Heather McGhee, Board Chair, The Color of Change, a panel of prominent political activists and observers – including Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, President, Repairers of the Breach and Co-chair, Poor People’s Campaign; Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, anthropologist, educator and Board Chair of The National Council of Negro Women, Inc.; Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr., an esteemed author, commentator and Chairman of Princeton University’s Department of African-American Studies, and Aisha C. Mills, a nationally renowned political strategist and social impact advisor – discussed strategies for combatting voter suppression, registering and engaging African-American voters, and ensuring that they have the opportunity to make their voices heard.
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JOIN US LIVE NOW for our 46th Annual Symposium moderated by @SymoneDSanders
Click the youtube link to join!
BWA 46th Annual Symposium Townhall
Live Stream opens at 8 am EST Live Program begins at 9am - 11am ESTModerated by Symone Sanders-Townsend, Host of...
youtube.com
Join @SymoneDSanders and @BWA3 live for BWA's Annual Symposium Townhall!
LIVESTREAM: Friday, September 22, 20203, @ 9 am EST.
https://youtube.com/live/X81rZZ65wd0?feature=share
#bwabettertogether #bwaiamthechange #bwainc
Today in #BlackHistory — Unbought and Unbossed, Shirley Chisholm became the first Black Presidential nominee.
She shattered the glass ceiling and I'm beyond proud to represent part of her district! I am because she was.
We fought hard for this because birth control is essential to our reproductive freedom.
This victory will empower folks to make decisions about their bodies & their futures.
Congress must now pass our bill to #FreeThePill & make OTC birth control free for all who need it.
📢 Tonight`s the Night! Join us for an Important Townhall Webinar!
Don’t miss @theblackwomensagendainc and a panel of distinguished experts discussing “I Am The Change: Vaccines For Your Best Health” 🌍.
This Town Hall will increase awareness of critical prevention, testing, and treatment resources for respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
🗓️ Date: November 12th
🕣 Time: 8:30 pm ET
Let’s work together to stay informed and healthy. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C5pIyDF8Swmsayy8PiMT2Q
#RiskLessDoMore #VaccinesForYourBestHealth #IAmTheChange #BWAInc
You inspired. You encouraged. You remained steadfast.
We thank you being you.
"The fight for the ideals that reflect America at its best: Freedom, opportunity, fairness, and dignity. That is a fight I will never give up." - Vice President Kamala Harris, 2024 Presidential Candidate
Voting is still taking place in cities across the country. If you are in line, STAY IN LINE. You can cast your vote if you are in line before the polls close.
If you encounter any issues, please call the Voter Assistance Hotline immediately:
833-336-8683
#YourVoteMatters
#YourVoteIsYourVoice
We Are STRONGER Together! Every Woman in our country deserves to live freely and safely without fear of her health being criminalized.
As you prepare to go to the polls, remember the words shared here... I am one of them...
Your Vote is Your Voice. WE have the power to protect the rights of women in every community across OUR country!
#vote
The Polls Are Open on the East Coast!! The rest of the country is waking up and preparing to exercise their right to vote!
Save this Election Day Checklist as you head to to the polls.
Your safety is what is important. Voting is your right.
If you experience Election Day problems, report them immediately to:
1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) Call or text
#Vote
#EveryVoteCounts
#Election2024
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