Avoid bringing mosquito-borne viruses home!
If chikungunya, dengue, or Zika is present in a country you will be visiting, you and your family are at risk of getting sick from mosquito bites when you visit. Follow these steps to prevent mosquito bites and prevent potentially starting local transmission of these viruses in the Coachella Valley:

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use insect repellents that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and contain DEET, IR3535, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone). Always use as directed.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use all EPA-registered insect repellents, including DEET, according to the product label.
• Most repellents, including DEET, can be used on children older than 2 months of age. To apply, adults should spray insect repellent onto hands and then apply to a child’s face.
• If it might be difficult to find recommended repellent at your destination. Pack enough to last the entire trip.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (boots, pants, socks, tents). You can buy pre-treated items or treat them yourself.
• Stay and sleep in screened-in and air-conditioned rooms whenever possible or sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.
• Mosquito netting can be used to cover babies younger than 2 months old in carriers, strollers, or cribs to protect them from mosquito bites.