FLORENCE, SC –  While Zika cases identified in the U.S. are still primarily related to travel outside the country, the threat has reinforced the importance of preventing mosquito bites. Mosquitoes spread many types of viruses that can cause diseases.

West Nile virus (WNV) is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will not have any symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other problems. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious neurologic illness.

Both Zika and West Nile Virus are spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitos. This mosquito is local to South Carolina and the southeastern United States.

To minimize your chance of being bitten, limit your outdoor activities from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you do go outside, cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing – treating clothes with permethrin or another EPA-registered insecticide can provide extra protection.

When used as directed, EPA-registered insecticides are safe for pregnant women. If wearing sunscreen and insecticides, apply sunscreen first then apply insect repellant.

Use an insect repellent with one of the following active ingredients – DEET; Picaridin, also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel and icaridin; oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD); or IR3535. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) should not be used on children under three years of age.

Helping children avoid bites

Insect repellent should not be used on babies younger than two months. Instead, dress infants or small children in clothing that covers arms and legs, or cover the crib or baby carrier with mosquito netting.

Follow guidance on the package before applying insect repellent on children – spray it onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face. Do not apply insect repellent to a child’s hands, mouth, cut or irritated skin.

Once You’ve Been Bitten

Even the best preventative measures probably won’t protect you from all bites. In the case of a normal reaction, a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion will provide relief from itching. A cold pack, ice cubes or a cool bath without soap may help relieve symptoms as well.

For more serious allergic reactions, oral antihistamines such as Benadryl or Claritin, topical anti-itch lotion or benzocaine, a cool bath without soap or an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) in case of anaphylaxis may be used to treat your reaction.

If you experience fever, severe headache, body aches, nausea or vomiting, rash, confusion or neurological changes, contact your doctor. These could be signs of a more serious reaction.

Dr. Temujin Chavez is board certified in Infectious Disease & Internal Medicine. He is associated with Carolinas Infectious Disease, an affiliate of Carolinas Medical Alliance and he is a member of the medical staff at Carolinas Hospital System.

-This information is solely from Temujin Chavez, M.D.