Taking measures to prevent exposure to the Zika virus can also limit your risks of contracting other mosquito-borne illnesses. Right now the only sure-fire way to avoid Zika is by not traveling to those countries where the virus has been confirmed.
Nations Where Zika is Currently Active
Caribbean: Barbados, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique,
Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, U.S. Virgin Islands
Central America: Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama
South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay,
Suriname, Venezuela
Pacific Islands: Samoa
Africa: Cape Verde
Additional Precautions
- Wear pants, long sleeves, and a hat when outdoors
- Apply DEET-based repellents such as Ben’s® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent Eco-Spray® (6 oz.) for added protection from mosquitoes. Reapply as directed (follow instructions to the letter for safety’s sake).
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin-based substances like Ben’s® Clothing and Gear 6 oz. continuous spray.
- Repair or replace damaged window screens that could permit entry by mosquitoes.
- Keep doors closed and turn off outdoor lighting that could attract mosquitoes.
- Sleep beneath mosquito netting in locations where shelter is inadequate to prevent the entry of mosquitoes.
- Do NOT apply repellents to children under two (2) months of age.
- Do apply the above recommendations to children under your care. Spray repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face. Do not apply directly.
- Heed additional advice and warnings from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), World Health Organization (WHO), and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).