Hurricanes may influence spread of the Zika virus

As a tropical storm is expected to hit Florida and the Bahamas this weekend, experts are concerned about the possible influence on the spread of the Zika virus, according to AccuWeather.

Jason Rasgon, associate professor of entomology and disease epidemiology at Penn State University, told AccuWeather that while the chance of mosquitos traveling through the powerful weather system is unlikely, the storm can have a negative impact on mosquito control efforts.

A storm can prevent mosquito control workers from spraying insecticides, and previously sprayed insecticides can be washed away by storm waters. Storms can also leave behind standing water, which creates breeding grounds for mosquitos.

AccuWeather suggests dumping any standing water, using mosquito repellant and wearing appropriate clothing to prevent mosquito bites.