How do you prevent catching the zika virus?

Travel, mosquitoes: Avoid travel to those parts of South America where infection is common. If necessary to travel there, very careful mosquito bite prevention: long sleeves and pants, preferably with clothing that has embedded mosquito repellents (available at outoor equipment and travel stores); plus compulsive use of effective insect repellents (active ingredient DEET or picaridin). As yet no worries in the US.

Avoid certain areas: Most importantly, avoid travel to areas designated by the CDC as high risk. You can find an updated list on the CDC website. If travel to one of these areas cannot be avoided, make sure to apply insect repellant frequently and to wear long sleeves and pants. Make sure all windows and doors have screens if they are to remain open. Get rid of standing water as this is where mosquitos breed.

Stop mosquitoes: By avoiding mosquito bites. A person can use bug repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or synthetic oil of lemon eucalyptus. Bring repellent from home, due to a short supply in outbreak areas.