At the county commission workshop July 3, Courtney Sheeley with the South Health District talked to commission members about Zika virus.

There have been a number of reported Zika cases in the United States this year.

So far, all have been from travelers who picked it up outside the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While we have yet to see state-side transmission this year, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take precautions.

Zika virus can be transmitted in two ways: by mosquitos carrying it and by sexual contact with someone who has been infected.

The CDC recommends condom usage to to help prevent the latter.

To help prevent infection by mosquito, the CDC recommend the following:

Use Insect Repellent

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Cover yourself

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Protect your baby or child

Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.

Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.

Treat clothing with permethrin

Treat items, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents, with permethrin or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.

Permethrin-treated clothing will protect you after multiple washings. See product information to find out how long the protection will last.

Do not use permethrin products directly on skin.

Take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside your home

Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outside.

Use air conditioning when available.

Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.

Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers. Check inside and outside your home. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.