Just in time for spring breaks across the country, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has posted the following fact sheets on its Zika Virus homepage:

• College Spring Break Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Family Spring Break Fact Sheet (PDF)

Most of the tips concentrate on avoiding mosquitoes and mosquito bites by using recommended insect repellents and bed nets, and wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants, or clothing treated with permethrin.

Related post: Be informed – Bug repellents

It’s believed the Zika virus causes the really tragic birth defect microcephaly, so pregnant women or women planning on becoming pregnant need to be especially careful.

In their latest update a few days ago, the CDC said that the cases of Zika virus reported in the states were all travel-associated. That is, the patients were infected while traveling outside of the country.

However, locally-acquired cases of the virus have been reported in several US territories, which might also be spring break destinations: Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

And the Zika virus is active in most of Central America and a big chunk of South America, including such popular destinations as Mexico, Cuba, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, Ecuador and Costa Rica.

For lots more information about the Zika virus, check out the CDC’s Zika virus homepage.

And here is an informational video they pubished last month.

Wherever you go, have a happy spring break and take some simple precautions to stay healthy.

Sláinte,

Frugal Nurse