Prevent Insect-Borne Disease While Traveling

Traveling for Spring Break? Be sure to protect yourself from insects and insect-borne disease, like Zika virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, areas in the southern U.S., Mexico, South and Central America all have reported active Zika virus transmission. Zika can be spread through mosquito bites, from a pregnant woman to her fetus, sexually or through a blood transfusion.

Take the following steps recommended by the CDC to protect yourself from Zika when traveling! 

• “Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Treat clothing and gear with insect repellent
• Use insect repellent and always follow label instructions
• When used properly, most insect repellent is safe on pregnant and breastfeeding women. 
• Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old.
• Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3. 
• 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.
• Mosquito netting can be used to cover babies younger than 2 months old in carriers, strollers, or cribs.
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.
• Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by using condoms or not having sex.”

For more information on animal- and insect-borne diseases, visit http://jeffco.us/public-health/healthy-environments/animal-borne-disease/.