In the South, we are all too familiar with mosquitoes.

Some are able to discern between good ones and bad ones, male or female, those that bite and those that attack other mosquitoes.

To me, I rarely take the time to make the distinction. I’m slapping and moving on.

Last year, many Americans became familiar with the Zika virus, a disease primarily spread by mosquitoes.

We watched as the disease spread across portions of South America and even disrupted the Rio Olympics, when some athletes turned down invitations to compete because of their concerns about the virus.

We watched as the travel advisories were sent out, warning people to make other arrangements or take special precautions when traveling to certain areas plagued by the disease.

And, as if it were only a matter of time, we watched as the disease finally made its way to the United States, brought back by those who were exposed to the disease during their travels.

The disease has been widely reported in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and as of Monday, Vicksburg.

To date, the disease has been reported in every state with the exception of Alaska, with specific travel advisories for areas in south Florida and in the Brownsville, Texas, area.

Last year, 23 cases of the disease were reported in Mississippi. The two cases in Warren County Monday were the first in the state for 2017.

In those cases last year, and the two this year, all have been related to travel.

So, as we head into a time of year where mosquitoes are more prevalent, here is some information from the World Health Organization about Zika:

Signs and Symptoms

The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and may last for two to seven days.

Complications of Zika virus disease

Based on a systematic review of the literature up to May 30, 2016, WHO has concluded that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain abnormalities, including microcephaly; and that Zika virus is a trigger of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Intense efforts are continuing to investigate the link between Zika virus and a range of neurological disorders, within a rigorous research framework.

Transmission

Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon/evening. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. Sexual transmission of Zika virus is also possible. Other modes of transmission such as blood transfusion are being investigated.

As with anything, lack of knowledge leads to confusion, worry and sometimes panic.

That does not need to happen here.

We are all very familiar with mosquitoes, and we are all very familiar with techniques to avoid contact with them.

Do yourself a favor — do us all a favor — learn more about Zika. Learn more about ways to protect yourself and others from the disease.

Zika is a disease that can be controlled and the best way to get it under control is to educate yourself about it.