For most people, summer means sea, sun and socialising. 

But for health authorities seeking to prevent an outbreak of the Zika virus, it means one thing: mosquitoes. 

Authorities are hard at work controlling vector breeding sites and giving families advice on how to limit mosquito breeding in their homes. Vector surveillance is being carried out in collaboration with the University of Malta.

The Zika virus could spread to Europe this summer, though the probability remains moderate to low, the World Health Organisation has said.

Malta has been classified as a moderate risk, with the aedes albopictus mosquito known to be endemic. 

The Zika virus is most commonly spread through aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis  People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. But infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.

In a statement, the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate had some simple advice for returning or would-be travellers. If you're heading to a region with known Zika infections, take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. If you've just returned from such a region - head to Mater Dei Hospital and get tested.