D.C. to Help Locals ‘Fight the Bite’ at Zika Events in Columbia Heights, Dupont
District residents worried about Zika can learn about the virus during free preparedness events in Columbia Heights, Dupont and elsewhere this weekend.
The D.C. Department of Health (DOH) will hand out educational materials and “Zika preparedness kits” to residents at recreation centers in all eight wards this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Officials will pass out insect repellent, mosquito-killing disks and condoms at the Columbia Heights Community Center (1480 Girard St. NW) in Ward 1 and the Stead Recreation Center (1625 P St. NW) in Ward 2.
The purpose of the event is to help teach locals “how to prevent Zika and how to protect your property from mosquitos,” according to a DOH Facebook post. The first 50 attendees get free emergency preparedness kits, the department said in a flyer handout.
Could Zika really affect the District? It’s technically possible, but not likely, officials say. DOH spokesman Ronald King told The Washington Post in May that “there’s no reason for people to panic.”
City officials will also hold meetings at the following locations:
- Ward 3: Palisades Recreation Center at 5200 Sherier Pl. NW)
- Ward 4: Petworth Recreation Center at 801 Taylor St. NW
- Ward 5: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center at 1100 Michigan Ave. NE
- Ward 6: King Greenleaf Recreation Center at 201 N St. SW
- Ward 7: Fort Davis Recreation Center at 1400 41st St. SE
- Ward 8: Barry Farm Recreation Center at 1230 Sumner Road SE
Image via DOH flyer
