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The three things you need to do to protect against the Zika virus

Posted at 10:24 AM, Aug 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-10 16:38:16-04

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - The Virginia Department of Health says there are three specific steps you can take at home to help prevent the Zika virus.

In a new video, the VDH recommends "Tip, Toss and Cover."

Asian Tiger Mosquitoes are the species most likely to transmit Zika if it were to appear in Virginia in mosquitoes. They breed only in containers of water, not in puddles or swamps.

To help prevent the mosquitoes from breeding, you should tip containers of any standing water, including garbage cans, flower pots and buckets.

They also recommend you toss any old containers such as tires and pans, essentially anything that can hold water. Pet water bowls and bird baths should also be emptied and scrubbed.

The Virginia Department of Health also recommends if you are outside to cover up with long pants, sock and use and EPA registered repellent.