MIAMI (WSVN) — Florida Gov. Rick Scott has declared a health emergency in four counties, including Miami-Dade county, due to the Zika virus.
In order to protect yourself, the CDC has released tips to help prevent the Zika virus:
- There are currently no vaccines or treatment for Zika, so the CDC says the best way to protect yourself is to prevent mosquito bites.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and treating your clothing and other items with permethrin
- Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellant as directed. Don’t use insect repellant on babies younger than 2 months of age; instead, dress your baby in clothing that covers arms and legs and cover the crib, stroller, or baby carrier with mosquito netting.
- Tell your doctor that you traveled to a country with Zika virus if you experience a rash, joint pain, or red eyes.
- Symptoms of Zika are similar to dengue and chikungunya, special blood tests may be required.
- If you get sick with Zika, make sure to get plenty of rest and fluids, and take medicines like acetaminophen or paracetamol to reduce fever and pain. Don’t take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
- You can also prevent others from getting sick by avoiding mosquito bites during the first week of illness following the same steps outlined above, because Zika virus can stay in the blood during the first week of infection.
Information from U.S. Health & Human Services.