INDIANAPOLIS (AP): The Indiana Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions against mosquitoes to avoid diseases, such as West Nile virus and Zika virus.

State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams says mosquitoes can transmit many illnesses, so it is important to take steps to prevent bites and to eliminate breeding grounds. He says the most common mosquito-borne illness identified in Indiana is West Nile virus. Indiana has confirmed six cases of Zika virus this year – all have been associated with international travel.

The Health Department recommends avoiding outdoor activity at times and places where mosquitoes are biting; wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and socks when outdoors; applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 to exposed skin; and takings steps to eliminate breeding grounds.