Zika virus is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito or having unprotected sexual intercourse with a person who has been infected.
The symptoms appear within two weeks of being bitten by the mosquito. People infected with the Zika virus experience fever, rashes, headaches and joint pains. Here are 6 ways you can prevent yourself from the virus:
1. Use a mosquito repellent spray while stepping out.
2. Make sure there is no stagnant water in the house or neighbourhood as mosquitoes breed in old stagnant water.
3. Wearing full-sleeved t-shirts and trousers while going out, so that most of your body parts are covered.
4. Pregnant women should avoid stepping out of the house when the Zika virus is spreading, as infection may cause birth defects in the baby.
5. If you have travelled from an area of Zika virus outbreak avoid having unprotected sexual intercourse, as you might be putting the other person at risk as well.
6. Sleep with air conditioners and mosquito nets. Avoid opening windows and doors for cool air as doing that might invite mosquitoes to your room.