6 Ways To Protect Yourself From Zika Virus Infection

Zika virus spread has been in news for all wrong reasons. WHO has declared it national emergency. Zika virus is mainly a mosquito borne disease transmitted by bite of infected Aedes mosquito. Zika virus can also be transmitted via sex from the person infected with virus to their sexual partners. It can also be transmitted from mother to her foetus. Zika virus infection can result in fever, red eye, rash and joint pain. It can be accompanied by muscular pain and headache.

There is rise in number of children born with small heads a condition known as microcephaly.  Also, increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome (a neurological disorder) that could lead to paralysis and death has been reported. Based on scientific research it is now evident that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome.

As there is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus, the best way to protect yourself from Zika virus infection is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

So Here Goes Top 6 Ways To Protect Yourself From Zika Virus Infection:

1. Wear Full And Light Colored Clothes

Wear full clothing to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can sense body heat and being fully covered helps in avoiding body heat detection. Wear long sleeved clothing, hats etc to avoid mosquitoes. Pretreated clothing are available which can prevent mosquito bites. Light colored clothing can be used to avoid attracting mosquitoes. This is because of the fact that mosquitoes can see dark colors better than the light color. Avoiding blue color can also be an option as some scientists believe that mosquitoes are attracted by color blue.[1]

2. Use Insect Repellent Products

Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin, after sunscreen has been applied. DEET can be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women in concentrations up to 50%, and in infants and children older than two months. Do not use on babies younger than two months. You can also use natural mosquito repellent product. Neem extracts has been found to be beneficial against mosquitoes like Aedes. Burn Neem oil candles or use Neem oil based formulations to keep mosquitoes at bay.

3. Use Mosquito Nets

Sleeping under mosquito net can help prevent mosquito bites. Windows and doors should also be installed with mosquito meshes to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Pre-treated mosquito nets are more efficient in keeping mosquitoes at bay.

4. Keep Surroundings Clean And Dry

Open containers, open pots, tyres, coolers, water vases for birds are all hot spots for mosquitoes. These sites can get filled with stagnant water and attract mosquitoes for breeding. Clean out long standing water and dry them properly to avoid mosquito breeding in your surrounding areas.

5. Avoid Going Out At Certain Times

Aedes mosquito which cause Zika virus infection usually bites during daytime. Chances of getting bitten are at peak during early morning and in late evening and late afternoon. One has to be extremely cautious and take proper precautions during these timings while going out to minimize chances of getting bitten by infected Aedes mosquito.

6. Travel With Care

Avoid travel to places reported with Zika virus infection. It is definitely a good idea not to go places for holiday where risk of getting infected is high. However, if traveling to these places is absolutely  necessary, take all proper precautions. Make sure to check out about infected zones from CDC website.