Precautions needed for a Zika-free spring break

As you pack for that tropical spring break vacation, remember to take your passport, your swim gear and your mosquito repellant.

Not only is it just good practice to protect yourself against mosquitoes, the Zika virus is rearing its ugly head in a lot of those sunny locales that spring breakers love to travel to.

The mosquito-borne illness is linked to birth defects and has been deemed an international health emergency by the World Health Organization.

The virus may cause only a mild illness for the nonpregnant. The medical community is still learning about Zika’s scope.

It can also be sexually transmitted and, currently, there is no medical treatment or vaccine for the virus.

So take extra precautions while overseas:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Use mosquito repellent with DEET.
• Practice safe sex.
• If staying in open-air places, use a mosquito net.
• Get a “Zika Home Care Kit” from Tarrant County Public Health.

This story was originally published March 10, 2016 at 6:28 PM with the headline "Precautions needed for a Zika-free spring break."