Eight tips to prevent West Nile Virus

It’s that time of year again when West Nile Virus starts to rear its ugly head. A person can become infected if they are bitten by a mosquito that is carrying the virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can cause death in some cases. It’s important to recognize West Nile Virus is a preventable disease, how? By preventing mosquito bites with these tips:

Photo by Michael Jakucs; Malibu Canyon.
Image subject to copyright.

1. There is no way for you to know which mosquitoes are carrying the disease, so it’s important to prevent all mosquito bites, especially now that summer is here and most people spend more time enjoying the beautiful outdoors (like the great picture above) with activities such as barbecuing and hiking.
2. Find out if West Nile Virus is in your area (if you live in the United States) by visiting the CDC website and viewing their interactive map showing activity by state. 
3. Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active, which generally begins at dusk (in the early evening), through the night and continues through the early morning (and sometimes during the day).
4. Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants if you’re going to be outside when mosquitoes are active.
5. Ensure that your window screens are intact, if not, have your screens replaced or repaired. 
6. Avoid having any collections of standing water near your home and in your yard. Change the water daily in items that need water such as bird baths and children’s pools.
7. If you’re spending time outdoors, protect yourself with an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved insect repellent that contains either, DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR3535.
8. Apply Insect repellents correctly and safely. They should be applied to skin and sprayed on your clothes as per the package and manufacturer’s instructions. Follow the package directions to the letter, as insecticides are a poison and can be dangerous if used inappropriately. 

5 Tips to Prevent West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus cases have rapidly increased in some areas in the United States in the last two weeks. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can cause death in some cases. It’s important to recognize that this is a preventable disease if you can avoid getting bit by an infected mosquito. Since there is no way for you to know which mosquitoes are carrying the disease, it’s important to do your best to prevent all mosquito bites.  This is especially important with the holiday weekend coming up and increased outdoor activities at back yard barbecues, hiking at parks or visiting the beach.

*Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active, which starts at dusk (in the early evening) through the night and can continue through the early morning (and sometimes during the day).

*Keep your skin covered (long sleeves and slacks) if you’ll be out when the mosquitoes are.

*Make sure all your window screens are intact, if not, have your screens replaced or repaired. You don’t want your non-screened doors or windows open when mosquitoes are active as they can come inside your home and start biting.

*Avoid having any collections of standing water around and near your home.

*If you have to be outdoors when the mosquitoes are, be sure to use and EPA approved insect repellent (follow all package directions) for extra protection, in addition to long sleeves and pants.

See this link for more information. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your health.