To help address the Zika virus epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean Islands, Elmo of "Sesame Street" educates kids on how to avoid contracting the virus. The well-known red Muppet is featured in two 30-second public service video announcements with English, Spanish and Portuguese versions.
In one video, Elmo and his friend Raya, an aqua green-skinned female Muppet, discuss the importance of getting rid of stagnant water and covering trash containers to prevent Zika-carrier mosquitoes from breeding. In the other video, the Muppets give tips how to get rid of mosquito bites by putting on pants and long sleeves, as well as using insect repellent and door and window screens. The two videos end with the same statement: "If the mosquito doesn't bite, goodbye Zika!"
According to NBC News, Sesame Street has teamed up with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to produce the videos. Aside from the video announcements, they also created three educational posters showing the same messages, which could be posted around the house to remind kids how to get rid of mosquitoes.
"Since these mosquitoes live in and around houses, this will take a concerted effort with intensified community engagement to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the Americas," Marcos Espinal, director of communicable diseases at the World Health Organization and PAHO, told USA Today. "We are also looking urgently at improving control methods, including insecticides and other technologies."
Commenting on the video, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Center for Health Security senior associate Amesh Adalja said that he is hoping that kids will understand and apply the Muppets' message, even if Elmo does not take his own advice about covering up with clothing. There is no announcement yet if the videos will be shown in the United States.
It is not the first time that Elmo has been involved in campaigns tackling health issues. Last year, the popular Muppet character partnered with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to talk about the importance of vaccines. In 2013, he also joined U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama to promote fresh food choices and active lifestyle.
