ABC's strategic partner CNA has released a new bulletin on proactive measures that can help to curb the spread of the Zika virus. Although the only confirmed cases of local transmission (not travel-related) have been in South Florida, many areas in the United States have the types of mosquitoes that can become infected with and spread Zika.

As the Zika virus continues to make headlines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working to ensure people living and working in areas where Zika is spreading or in areas where Zika could spread through the local mosquito population know how to protect themselves from infection. Zika is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito, so outdoor workers in areas with large populations of those mosquitoes should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Some of the best ways to help minimize the risk of an outbreak and protect against infection include:

• Covering up (wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants) and use an EPA-registered insect repellent every day.
• Dumping standing water around the worksite. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, barrels, or trash containers. 
• Using an outdoor insect spray made to kill mosquitoes in areas where they rest.
• Treating clothing and gear with permethrin or buy pre-treated items.