What you need to know about Zika

The Zika virus has been a much talked about travel health issue. Zika is spread by mosquitoes and can cause symptoms such as rash, fever, pink eye, and joint pain.

An individual can also be infected by Zika but not show symptoms. Zika can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her developing fetus which may cause microcephaly and other brain abnormalities.

The best way to avoid contracting the Zika virus is to stay away from areas where there are infect mosquitoes. However, this isn't always possible. To protect yourself and your children, it is safe to apply bug repellent on infants and children 2 months and older.

Here are some of the top mosquito repellent recommendations

DEET (up to 30% for infants over age 2 months and children, common brands are OFF! and Ben's)

Picaridin (such as Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, Sawyer)

Oil lemon eucalyptus (such as Repel)

Other ways to avoid getting bitten include using a mosquito net at night and covering up by wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants.

For more information on the Zika virus, click here. As always, if you have questions or concerns regarding travel to possible Zika impacted areas, give our office a call!

Additional Zika travel information from the CDC