INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions against mosquitoes to avoid diseases, such as West Nile virus and Zika virus.
State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams says mosquitoes can transmit many illnesses, so it is important to take steps to prevent bites and eliminate breeding grounds.
He says the most common mosquito-borne illness identified in Indiana is West Nile virus. Indiana has confirmed six cases of Zika virus so far this year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best ways to prevent mosquito bites are to:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients:
- Reapply insect repellent as directed.
- Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
- If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
ZIKA VIRUS:
Indiana State Department of Health confirms first case of Zika virus
