Infectious disease experts offer advice for limiting mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. Their tips are published in Annals of Internal Medicine with links to relevant websites where the public can access free, up-to-date information. In brief, the tips include:
- Limit travel to areas with active transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses. Pregnant women should avoid travel to areas with Zika transmission due to the risk for fetal microcephaly.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants and keep feet covered when outside.
- Consistently use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents with the active ingredients DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-3,8-diol.
- Use bed nets at night, especially in areas where malaria is present.
- Reduce mosquitoes outdoors by eliminating breeding areas, such as standing water. Use foggers or indoor insect sprays to kill mosquitoes inside the home.
The experts caution that persons who have been exposed to a mosquito-borne illness should continue to minimize the likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes to reduce the possible transmission to household members or within the community. Travelers returning to the mainland United States from an area with Zika virus should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks after their return so they do not spread the virus to uninfected mosquitoes, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms. These persons should also follow the CDC's recommendations for limiting sexual transmission of Zika through abstinence or the consistent and correct use of condoms.
Article: Personal Actions to Minimize Mosquito-Borne Illnesses, Including Zika Virus, Regina L. LaRocque, MD, MPH; and Edward T. Ryan, MD, Annals of Internal Medicine, doi:10.7326/M16-1397, published online 12 July 2016.