Zika concerns prompt mosquito spraying in Baltimore

BALTIMORE - Some neighborhoods in Baltimore were sprayed for mosquitos due to concerns about the possible spreading of the Zika virus.

The Baltimore City Health Department and Maryland Department of Agriculture conducted the mosquito control sprayings in the Shipley Hill neighborhood Sunday. There are currently 12 travel-associated Zika cases in Baltimore City.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we will be conducting mosquito control activities Sunday evening in areas within the Shipley Hill neighborhood and urge residents in the designated area to remain indoors during this spraying period," said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen in a press release posted online. "We can all play a part in preventing mosquitoes from breeding by eliminating standing water in our communities. This remains an all hands on deck moment for our city."

Baltimore City posted these tips to help limit the spread of Zika and other mosquito borne diseases:

- Prevent mosquitoes from breeding by removing all standing water and treating these areas with larvicide (available in most hardware stores). The mosquitoes that carry the Zika Virus only need the amount of water in a bottle cap to breed.

- Wear mosquito repellent while outdoors. Safe and effective repellents can be found atwww.epa.gov/insect-repellents. Look for these ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, OLE, or PMD.

- Wear light weight, long-sleeved shirts and pants.

- All pregnant women with partners who have traveled to an area with Zika should use condoms or not have sex during their pregnancy, even if their partners do not have Zika symptoms or if their symptoms have gone away.

- All individuals who have traveled to an area with Zika should use condoms to protect their sex partners for 8 weeks or 6 months for men who show symptoms.

Find more Zika tips online: http://health.baltimorecity.gov/news/press-releases/2016-09-10-baltimore-city-health-department-maryland-department-agriculture