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U.S. Surgeon General Offers Zika Prevention Tips

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, sips Cuban coffee next to a counter with cans of insect repellent after holding a news conference at David's Cafe Cafecito, Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, in Miami Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee/AP)
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, sips Cuban coffee next to a counter with cans of insect repellent after holding a news conference at David's Cafe Cafecito, Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, in Miami Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee/AP)

The spread of the Zika virus has been difficult to track, and with Congressional funds still on hold, many in the American medical community remain concerned about preventing further infections in Florida, Puerto Rico and beyond.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, joined On Point to discuss easy ways to help prevent the spread of the as-of-yet-still-mysterious virus.

"I'm concerned about he Zika threat, because we are learning more and more about it every day," Dr. Murthy told guest host John Harwood. "Our concern is that there may be more effects that we will come to learn in time. Prevention is so critical here."

U.S. Surgeon General's Zika Prevention Recommendations

  • Avoid mosquitoes and mosquito bites — wear mosquito repellent, stay in air conditioned spaces, wear long-sleeves and long pants clothes, avoid areas with standing water
  • If pregnant, avoid travel to countries or areas where Zika is spreading
  • If your partner is pregnant and you travel to an area where Zika is present, avoid having unprotected sex with your pregnant partner after the travel

Or, as Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University told another caller later in the conversation, "The fragrance of this season is DEET. Use that."

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