Beat the Buzz – prevent mosquito-borne diseases like Zika

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals in the world because of the diseases they spread. Among these is Zika virus, a disease that is mostly spread by infected mosquitoes of the Aedes species. These particular mosquitoes bite both day and night and are located only in certain parts of the world — including some states in the U.S. 
Zika can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus or through sex with a person infected with the virus. 

The best way to prevent Zika — as well as other serious illnesses — is to prevent mosquito bites. 

Watch the video below to learn more: 

Tips to Beat the Buzz and prevent the mosquito bites include:

-Wear long sleeves outdoors

-Use an insect  repellent with an active ingredient approved by the Centers for Disease Control.

-Hang mosquito netting around cribs and beds.

-Treat clothing with an insect-repellent.

-If traveling to areas where Zika has been confirmed, follow as many guidelines as possible to prevent mosquito bites.

-If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, avoid traveling to areas with Zika.
- If you or a partner has travelled to areas where Zika has been confirmed, practice safe sex. Use latex condoms, the right way, every time, or choose not to have any type of sex with a partner who has been in an area with Zika.

View the JCPH Zika resource page for more tips and information. For more information on animal-borne diseases, please contact our Zoonosis Program at
303-271-5700 or dvolkel@jeffco.us.