How to protect yourself against the spread of Zika

In a nation of more than 20 million people, the Zika virus has been declared an international emergency.
The U.S. has declared a state of emergency and placed travel restrictions in place.
The federal government has set up a task force to study how to best protect against Zika.
In addition to educating health-care workers about the virus, the U.N. has announced a plan to develop a vaccine.
But the Zika vaccine isn’t yet ready for human trials.
What you need to know about Zika, and when you should see a doctor.
Zika is spread through mosquito bites and semen, and there are cases of microcephaly, a birth defect that causes small head size.
If you’re pregnant, you can get Zika through sexual contact, and it can also cause severe birth defects in newborns.
If Zika is in the air and your health is compromised, you could get it from mosquitoes, but the CDC advises you to avoid mosquito bites, including on your face and hands.
So if you’re worried about getting Zika from mosquitoes or other sources, here’s what to know.