Zika health tips for Rio travellers

SMART WAYS TO AVOID ZIKA WHILE IN RIO:

* Pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant should reconsider their need to travel to Brazil

* Avoid mosquito bites to prevent diseases such as the Zika virus, dengue fever and yellow fever

* Use a repellent containing DEET or Picaridin

* Apply from early morning as the mosquitoes bite during the day

* Wear light, loose fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and closed shoes

* Sleep somewhere with screened doors and windows or netted protection over beds

* See if your hotel has mosquito nets and, if not, take your own

* Regularly check out the Australian government website www.smartraveller.gov.au.