WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP): A Purdue University medical entomologist says taking steps to control mosquitoes and prevent bites can go a long way to protecting public health and curbing transmission of the Zika virus.

The World Health Organization has declared a global emergency over the mosquito-borne disease which has been linked to birth defects.

Entomology professor Catherine Hill says eliminating potential breeding sites of mosquitoes can significantly reduce people’s chances of getting bitten by an infected mosquito. Typical breeding sites include birdbaths, potted plants, dog bowls, tin cans, tires and other places likely to become inundated with water.

Hill advises those traveling in a region where the virus is actively transmitted, take steps to protect themselves against mosquitoes.