Sun’s out―bugs out. That is the reality facing many Marine Corps Installations this summer as the mosquito that carries the Zika virus becomes more active. To combat this potential threat, Ready Marine Corps―the Marine Corps’ public awareness and emergency readiness program―is launching the “Fight the Bite” campaign to educate the community about mosquito-borne illness and how to mitigate the risk of transmission.
Ways to ‘Fight the Bite’
- Use EPA-registered repellent with either DEET, Picardin, or IR353.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Treat clothing with permethrin. Uniforms that have been factory treated with permethrin will have a label sewn inside the garment.
- Ensure window and door screens are secure and do not have holes.
- Eliminate standing water outside in places such as buckets, old tires, and children’s toys. Empty vases, planters, or other containers with standing water inside the home as well.
Ready Marine Corps will continue to publish information on its website and social media accounts as it becomes available. Contact ready@usmc.mil for more about the campaign and ongoing readiness efforts.