Zika Virus

Message from the JIF Safety Director:

Protect yourself from mosquitoes this summer and stay informed about Zika virus.

The World Health Organization has declared the mosquito-borne Zika virus a global public-health emergency, with locally acquired cases currently occurring in parts of South America, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean islands (including Puerto Rico), Africa, and the Pacific Islands. To protect yourself, wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants when weather permits. Wear light-colored clothing if possible, since mosquitoes are drawn to darker colors, and don’t count on leggings or tights to protect you — mosquitoes can and do bite right through them! On exposed skin, use an EPA-registered repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol as its active ingredient, and follow package directions for reapplication. If you’re using sunscreen too, apply the sunscreen first, then the repellent. Buying clothing or gear treated with the insecticide permethrin — or buying permethrin and carefully treating items yourself — offers additional protection. Zika causes mild illness in most people; the major concern is that it can cause serious brain abnormalities in fetuses. Therefore, women who know or suspect that they may be pregnant are advised to stay up-to-date on recommendations and travel advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.