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/.

Zika Virus – Travel Associated Cases in U.S. up to 153

Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Specific areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time. If traveling, please visitthe CDC Travelers' Health site for the most updated travel information. Zika virus can be spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus and has been linked to a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly in babies of mothers who had Zika virus while pregnant. CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women. Pregnant women should consider delaying travel to areas with Zika. If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip. The number of travel associated cases in the United States continues to grow. For more information:

Connect with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Connect with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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