Zika cases are on the rise all around the globe, including in the United States. In fact, more than 1100 cases of the virus had been reported in the US as of July 6. (None of those cases originated in the United States, however, and all of those patients recovered.)

Because Zika is primarily a mosquito-borne virus, it’s something outdoor workers need to take seriously. That includes various trades as well as the construction industry as a whole. And now is the time to start taking precautions against mosquito bites. After all, summer is the time of year the mosquito population is on the grow. (It should be noted that the virus may also be transmitted via blood or bodily fluids.)

Mosquito bite prevention is key to staying Zika-free, since there’s no vaccine against the virus. (Nor is there a specific treatment for individuals who contract it.)

What can you do to stay safe on the job, and ensure your workers are safe too?

Zika Virus Prevention Tips

• Educate workers on the risk of Zika and its links to birth defects. The CDC Zika website offers the most up-to-date information.
• Encourage outdoor workers to wear clothing that covers hands, arms, legs, and other exposed skin. Consider providing workers with hats including mosquito netting.
• Encourage workers to apply appropriate insect repellents. Click here for recommendations on repellents and application tips.
• Eliminate sources of standing water, which can serve as mosquito breeding areas.

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