As you know, Zika is the current hot topic. So, what is Zika Virus?

(credit: newsinfo.inquirer.net)

Zika virus is transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes that was infected. This kind of mosquitoes usually bites during the daytime, which was identical to dengue. Zika is less serious than dengue, a mild disease, but can cause a viral fever, skin rashes, body aches, red eyes and headache similar to dengue or chikungunya. There is no vaccine or specific anti-viral drugs to Zika. Most of the people that was infected with Zika will not show symptoms.

However, this infection may cause congenital condition of pregnant woman. It manifests itself as birth defect in which a baby is born with significantly smaller heads than usual. Positive Zika test does not mean that the foetus is infected or harmed. The percentage of mother giving birth to a child with microcephaly is between 1 and 13.

You can do your part to prevent these virus from spreading. Most breeding sites are found in homes!

At home, you can help yourself by:

• Turning over all water storage containers
• Remove water from flower pot plates on alternative days
• Change water in vases / bowls on alternate days
• Cover bamboo pole holders when NOT in use
• Clear blockages regularly

& more protection for yourself and your love ones, you can:

• Use insect repellent regularly
• Wear clothes that cover your body, arms and legs

Speaking about Insect repellent, you manage to get yourself one? Most of the supermarkets are running out of stocks. I manage to get mine ~

There are different types and brands of repellent that you can get in the supermarket. There are choices like spray and lotion kind. But if you’re getting for your kid, please remember to read if it’s safe for them.

Troublesome abit to apply them la. Better than getting bitten by the mosquitoes and make yourself suffer right?

If you’re using the spray kind, spray in a slow sweeping motion while holding it 15-20cm away from the exposed skin and clothing. Use your hands to evenly moisten exposed skin. Spray or apply the lotion on your palm before applying them on your face.

Normally, I would spray/apply on my hands before applying on Emerald. Extra protection, use patches as well! Stick them on while you’re outdoor 😀 !

1. Johnson OFF! Lotion mosquito Repellent

It helps to protect against the mosquitoes for about 2 hours. Can be used for children 6 months and above. I don’t really like using lotion type, as some of the lotion give a kind of greasy/oily feeling which I hate most.

2. Johnson Off! Liquid

Personally, I prefer the spray kind. All you have to do is hold 15-20cm away and spray them on. But this is not suitable for kids ~ so it’s only for adults. This has 2 hours of protections too. So just spray as and when you need.

3. Tiger Balm Mosquito Repellent Spray

For Tiger balm products, I wouldn’t recommend if you dislike the smell of it as the smell of this repellent is much stronger. But this spray is DEET-Free, so you’re free to spray them on your clothing as well.

Stay safe from the mosquitoes everyone ! <3