Zika virus is a human virus that is commonly transmitted by the bite of an infected AEDES MOSQUITO (Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus).

Newsflash: Zika isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Known to cause serious birth defects passed down through Zika-infected pregnant mothers, the mosquito-borne virus is predicted to see an uptick in numbers as warmer temperatures make for ideal mosquito breeding conditions.

Unfortunately, for this summer and beyond, staving off these bugs is now about much more than annoyance. Do your research before traveling at CDC.gov/travel.

Here are a few key ways to avoid mosquito bites, as stated by the Arkansas Department of Health:

  • Use an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
  • Use air conditioning or window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Reduce the number of mosquitoes inside and outside your home by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets. Mosquitoes can breed in as little amount of water as a bottle cap.