The Zika virus that can cause microcephaly to develop in utero has been confirmed to be in Florida by the Centers for Disease Control. Microcephaly is a condition where the baby’s brain and head are underdeveloped and it can be fatal. Danielle Pettit-Majewski, administrator of Washington County Public Health, advises if you are a woman who is pregnant and traveling to the Miami area do everything you can to avoid getting bit by a mosquito – wear repellent, wear long sleeves and pants. Also, if your partner has traveled to that area wait to become pregnant for at least eight weeks, or if you’re already pregnant then use condoms for at least six months. She says they’re hearing at this time that Iowa doesn’t have the type of mosquitoes that would cause transmission of Zika.

She adds in general, it’s best for everyone to avoid mosquito bites because they can carry West Nile virus locally. For more information about Zika click here.