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How can I avoid infection?

If you are thinking of travelling to a country affected by the Zika virus, get advice from your GP or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you go.

When you are in a country affected by Zika you can reduce your risk of being infected by:

Avoiding being bitten by the Aedes mosquito by using an insect repellent on exposed skin and wearing loose clothing that covers your arms and legs. Unlike the mosquitos that spread malaria, Aedes mosquitos are most active during the day so you need to be careful at all times.
Sleeping under a mosquito net at night in areas where malaria is also a risk