Zika Virus, Dengue Virus Prevention: How to Keep the Mosquitoes Away

Mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika, dengue and chikungunya are currently plaguing tropical regions and the outbreak continues to infect more than a million people. With no cure still in sight, how can people protect themselves from this?

Below are advises and recommendations to keeping Zika, dengue and chikungunya away:

For travelers: Avoid going to places where the virus is widespread.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been issuing travel advisories since the outbreak, especially for regions where cases have escalated. This includes the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico and South America, and the travel notices are updated weekly.

Yahoo! reported that health authorities in the United States also issued travel notices advising people to avoid going to 22 Latin American countries and the Caribbean for the meantime. BBC reported that the latest travel warnings also covers some parts of Africa and Oceana. Pregnant women are specifically advised to heed the notices as the virus can lead to microcephaly, or the abnormal development of the baby's head during pregnancy.

For those at home: Keep your areas clean and invest in mosquito-deterrents.

Authorities are still learning more about the Zika virus, but dengue and chikungunya have been around for years. These diseases are already present in some areas in the United States, particularly the southern states, CNN reported.

Winter weather is helping curb the disease as mosquitoes aren't active when it's cold. However, when the weather begins to warm, keep in mind to never leave standing water uncovered outside the house, including bird baths and potted plants in the garden. Dump sand or dirt on the ground to kill any larvae in any standing water. For houses with pools, chlorine actually deters mosquitoes so this should be alright.

Enlist the help of professional exterminators if you have the budget as this should also help drop the rate of mosquito-carriers around your area. Additionally, consider investing in a misting system for your outdoor property or bug zappers and electric insect control system indoors.

For individuals: Use insect repellants and wear protective clothing.

Regularly applying insect repellants will help protect the skin against mosquito bites and the CDC advises using products with EPA-registered ingredients, which are also safe for pregnant women. Follow the instructions to the products carefully, especially when it comes to reapplication and use for children. Some pregnant women may be wary of using repellants, so it's best to ask your obstetricians for inputs beforehand.

Lather enough repellant cream or lotion on the exposed skin. You don't have to apply this in areas that clothes cover as clothes, like pants and long-sleeves shirts, can protect you from mosquito bites as well.