Monday Is "Zika Awareness Day"

by Kim Glovas

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Delaware's Department of Health and Social Services has declared Monday: "Zika Awareness Day."

Doctor Awele Maduka-Ezeh, state medical director wit the Division of Public Health, says even though there has been no mosquito transmission of the Zika virus in the nation, it's important to maintain vigilance.

"We wanted to make sure to get the message out there, particularly to pregnant women, that as things warm up and mosquitoes come out, that they protect themselves, not just from Zika virus but from all mosquito borne illnesses," he said.

Precautions are basically the same as avoiding mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus: use mosquito repellent, reduce standing water around your home so mosquitoes can't breed and wear long sleeves if possible.