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SALT LAKE CITY — Mormon women serving missions where mosquito-borne illnesses are present will now be able to wear dress slacks to cover their legs on a geographic and seasonal basis.
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles made the announcement Friday afternoon in a news release that included several new policies to protect the health of missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
For example, the church will now pay for "permethrin insecticide solution and DEET-containing repellant" for all of its 74,000 missionaries around the world.
The Zika virus is among the mosquito-borne illnesses driving the new policies. Today, the CDC announced it is tracking nearly 300 Zika virus cases in American women. The Zika virus can cause stillbirths, microcephaly or other congenital problems.
"With this announcement," the release said, "sisters serving in these areas are encouraged to wear full-length dress slacks during proselyting activities."
Examples of the new dress guidelines for these areas may be viewed on the Missionary Dress and Grooming Guidelines” page of LDS.org.
In areas of the world where it is not acceptable for women to wear dress slacks, sister missionaries will be able to wear long dresses to cover their legs to protect against mosquito bites.
The church leaders had already recommended that missionaries avoid stagnant and standing water when possible, because that can be breeding grounds for mosquitos.
"We encourage our members," the release added, "in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent to protect themselves by following the recommendations of local authorities who are knowledgeable about health risks."
Sister missionaries will continue to wear skirts or dresses when attending the temple and during Sunday worship services, leadership and zone conferences and baptismal services.
Contributing: Ashley Moser
