Zika prevention for mission trips

Published April 21, 2017

The Arkansas Department of Health is urging churches conducting mission trips in Central America, South America and Mexico to be aware of the continued presence of the Zika virus. Zika is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito and can also be transmitted sexually. The virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus and can cause serious birth defects. 

The health department said it is important to be knowledgeable about its effects and dangers. Before a mission trip, churches should research the risks by visiting wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/world-map-areas-with-zika

Those visiting at-risk areas should use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone. It is recommended that pregnant women not travel to areas with Zika. Anyone who has been to an area affected by Zika should take measures to prevent mosquito bites for at least three weeks after they return home to prevent the spread of Zika to local mosquitoes. If a local mosquito becomes infected, it could spread Zika to someone else.