Zika Virus: Latest updates, travel warnings and prevention tactics

Permethrin-treated clothing, such as Insect Shield®, is a key method of protection for those traveling to at-risk areas.

Mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, Dengue fever and West Nile virus are still a challenge throughout the globe. However, a newer mosquito-borne illness called Zika virus is causing serious concerns in Brazil as well as the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and South America where it has been linked to a rise in a phenomenon called microcephaly. No locally transmitted Zika cases have been reported in the continental United States, but cases have been reported in returning travelers in Puerto Rico, Illinois, Texas and Florida. One case of microcephaly has been linked to Zika and reported in Hawaii.

Because there is no vaccine for Zika, the CDC recommends protection from mosquito bites including the use of permethrin treated clothing (such as Insect Shield.)

Prevention tactics recommended by the CDC:

• Use insect repellents
• If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent
• Do not spray insect repellent on the skin under your clothing
• Treat clothing with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated clothing
• Always follow the label instructions when using insect repellent or sunscreen
• When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes inside and outside your home or hotel room by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets

Zika virus is transmitted to people from the bite of an Aedes aegypti, or Aedes albopictus mosquito. The Zika virus, unlike other mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue or malaria, is newer and less studied. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Outbreaks of Zika have occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas.Travel Health Warnings:The CDC has issued travel health warnings for pregnant women considering travel to the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and South America.

Where to buy Insect Shield protective clothing:Insect Shield Online store

How to get your own clothes treated with Insect Shield® protection:Insect Shield Your Own Clothes

Brands that Sell Insect Shield® Clothing:http://www.insectshield.com/Brands/

About Insect Shield® Technology: Insect Shield Repellent Apparel and Gear are revolutionary products designed to provide long-lasting, effective and convenient personal insect protection. The durable protection provided by Insect Shield is the result of years of research and testing. In July 2003, Insect Shield Repellent Apparel was registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Insect Shield Technology is utilized by leading lifestyle brands, work wear distributors and International relief organizations across the globe to provide effective protection against insects and the diseases they can carry. Insect Shield is an approved vendor of the US Army and US Marine Corps. More http://www.insectshield.com