Zika: Snapshot
- Zika virus is mainly spread through mosquito bites
- It can also be spread by a man to his sex partner
- How do you prevent Zika virus? The best way is to not get bitten!
- Learn how to protect yourself from bites
- What insect repellent is right for you and safe for pregnant women and children?
- Everyone should take precautions to prevent getting sick and infecting others.
Everyone Should Take Precautions
Zika is a concern for pregnant women or people trying to become pregnant because Zika is possibly linked to microcephaly. Pregnant women are advised by the CDC to not travel to any areas where the Zika virus is spreading. Also, pregnant women are advised by the CDC to avoid sex or use condoms with their male partner if he has traveled to an area where the Zika virus is spreading as the Zika virus can be spread by a man to his sex partner.Even if you are not a woman who is pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, everyone (that means men and children, as well) should take precautions to help minimize the spread of the Zika virus! It's a group effort! If you have Zika, protect others from getting sick.
The CDC recommends that "if you have traveled to a country where Zika has been found, make sure you take the same measures to protect yourself from mosquito bites at home as you would while traveling." This is because "during the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to a mosquito through mosquito bites" (5 Things You Really Need to Know About Zika).
How to Not Get Bitten by Mosquitoes
Here are some tips from the CDC on avoiding mosquito bites:- Use insect Repellent
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Stay and sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
The Right Bug Spray
The CDC recommends EPA registered insect repellent. Just look on the product label of the insect repellent to see if your insect repellent has an EPA registration number. Find EPA registered insect repellent right for you |
| https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-insect-repellent-right-you |
Pregnant, Breastfeeding or Have a Child?
According to the CDC "when used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women."
The CDC advises that if you have a baby or child do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age. According to the EPA insect repellent containing DEET is approved for use on children.
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