ROANOKE – Mosquito season, which begins this week and runs through October, arrives with the warmer weather and an increase in rain, leading to early breeding.
The Zika virus will once again be a major concern in Virginia and around the world, especially for pregnant women or those who are trying to get pregnant.
Since the first case of Zika virus was reported in Virginia in December 2015, there have been 115 cases of the virus reported in the state, all of which were contracted outside the state. None resulted in local transmission.
Two species of mosquitoes are most likely to carry the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both are found in the southernmost states, including Virginia.
The Asian tiger mosquito causes the most bites in the commonwealth, but it's also the easiest to prevent. Asian tiger mosquitoes are what's known as container breeders, meaning that they don't breed in flooded areas like ponds and swamps. Instead, they breed in old tires, trash can lids, bird baths and anywhere standing water can collect.
Dr. Thomas Kerkering, of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, says the easiest way to get rid of them is to tip, toss and cover.
"It can be any container. Even this morning, I noticed water in my dog bowl," says Kerkering. "It's even simple things like that. So you tip it over, you toss out the water. And if it is going to be something that will collect water, you cover it."
Nearly 700 million people around the world will get a mosquito-borne illness this year, and easy travel is bringing some of those deadly illnesses to our own backyard. Experts say it's important for anyone who travels to protect themselves by covering up exposed skin and wearing bug repellent.
Among the areas where the Zika virus is rampant are the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, all of South America and parts of India and Africa. There are also two cities of concern in the United States-- Miami, Florida and Brownsville, Texas have both reported transmission of the virus through local mosquitoes.
Pregnant women and women who might become pregnant are the biggest concerns, becuase their unborn babies are the most affected by the Zika virus. Experts are advising pregnant women or anyone trying to get pregnant to avoid endemic areas.
Whether you're traveling abroad or just sitting on your back deck, Kerkering says the best way to prevent mosquito bites and the diseases that come with them is to cover up exposed skin and use repellent spray every time you step outside.
"The best insect repellent for this area is one that contains DEET-- at least 20 percent DEET, but you can go up to 50 percent," said Kerkering. "The reason that's the best in this area is because it covers mosquitoes, but we also have ticks, and it covers things like Rocky Mountain spotted fever as well."
Current recommendations are that men wait six months and women wait at least eight weeks after visiting a Zika-impacted country or showing signs of the Zika virus before trying to have a baby.