Department Of Health Distributes Zika Prevention Kits For Pregnant Women

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health launched an initiative aimed at protecting citizens from the Zika virus.

Prevention Kits for Pregnant Women are being distributed to provide education about the virus, steps that can be taken to avoid mosquito bites and how to prevent insects from multiplying around homes.

"While Zika is spread primarily by mosquitoes that are infected with the virus, it also can spread through sexual contact with individuals who have the disease," said PA Department of Health Secretary Dr. Karen Murphy. "Because Zika poses serious health risks for babies born to women who contracted the virus during
pregnancy, the kits include health education materials and prevention tools to avoid mosquito bites and sexual transmission of the disease to pregnant women.
Using the products in the Zika Prevention Kit can help protect you and your loved ones from the virus."

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

The kits contain EPA-registered insect repellent, permethrin spray repellent for treating clothing and shoes, standing water tablets for killing mosquito larva, condoms to prevent sexual transmission of Zika, and educational materials in both English and Spanish.

Pregnant women can click here to find a kit provider in their local area.