Got Repellent?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared Zika a public health emergency, while at the same time saying that the risk of contracting the virus by virtue of attending the Rio Olympic Games would not be significantly increased given the timing of the Games during Brazil's winter when the concentration of mosquitoes is low, as well as expected precautions taken by Games organizers and visitors themselves.

Previously, the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded that Zika causes microcephaly, a medical condition manifested by abnormally small heads and brain damage in infants.  While some public health officials decry the WHO’s position against calling for the Games’ cancellation or postponement, both the WHO and CDC warns that pregnant women should not attend the Rio Olympics.

The CDC recommends wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants in places where mosquitoes might be present, using repellent on exposed skin, and staying in air-conditioned accommodations (which fortunately, our delegation will have).

Shown above are the brands/products listed by Consumer Reports as the most effective in warding off the Aedes mosquitoes that transmit the Zika virus.