repellent

Davis encouraged residents to use insect repellent, get rid of standing water around their homes and install or repair windows to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

Officials urge travelers to keep open wounds clean and covered, avoid insect bites, and wear hats, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants, socks, and insect repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency as effective.

Experts point out that prevention is key when visiting rural areas in affected regions, which includes keeping any open wounds clean and covered, and using an insect repellent.

Measures include wearing long pants tucked into boots, using a bug repellent with DEET, never feeding or touching rodents, refraining from camping near animal burrows or dead rodents, and leaving dogs at home when possible.

With your protective clothes on, apply insect repellent to garments and exposed skin, according to the state public health department.