Zika Virus Outbreak: Consumer Reports Shares Best Zika-Fighting Repellents
The Zika virus outbreak has been rapidly spreading through the Americas.
— -- With concern surrounding the Zika virus at an all-time high, Consumer Reports has re-released its exclusive ratings of mosquito repellents that best protect against the mosquitoes that spread the virus.
The release highlights the results regarding the Aedes Egypti mosquito, the mosquito known to carry and spread Zika.
Officials Monday announced that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Emergency Operations Center had been moved to Level 1, the agency's highest level, because of the risk of Zika virus transmission in the United States.
The Zika virus has been spreading throughout the Americas and the World Health Organization has deemed it a "global health threat."
Consumer Reports found three products to be most effective in combating the mosquito known for carrying Zika: Sawyer Fisherman’s Formula Picaridin, Natrapel 8 Hour and Off! Deepwoods VIII.
Click HERE to read the full list from Consumer Reports.
The magazine said its research found the best Zika-fighting repellents contained either 25 percent Deet or 20 percent Picardin.
The magazine warned consumers against using products made of natural plant oils.
“Some of those even failed our tests immediately and the mosquitos bit right through our testers’ arms,” Sue Byrne, Consumer Reports’ senior editor for health and food, told ABC News.
Common symptoms of the Zika virus include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis, according to the CDC. Approximately one in five people infected with the virus show symptoms.
The virus has also been associated with a rise of microcephaly birth defect cases in Brazil. The birth defect is characterized by a malformed or smaller head and brain and can result in serious developmental delays.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is an immunological reaction that can occur after viral or bacterial infections.
The CDC says it is safe to use insect repellent while pregnant or nursing. The agency recommends choosing an EPA-registered insect repellent and advises paying close attention to the directions on the product label.
ABC News’ Gillian Mohney contributed to this report.
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