West Nile Virus Prevention Tips

Prevent Mosquito Bites!

It is important to realize that West Nile Virus can be debilitating and life threatening. Your backyard or patio is not a "safe zone." Even a quick trip to the trash, barbecue or garden allows time for an infected mosquito to bite. Everyone should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The best way to prevent West Nile Virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes this summer and fall. Remember the 4 Ds:

DRAIN standing water around the house weekly since it's where mosquitoes lay eggs. Empty water out of tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles. Doors and windows should also be kept closed and/or properly screened to keep mosquitoes out.

DEET is an ingredient in insect repellants that works against WNV. Other repellants that have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include Picaridin and Oil of lemon eucalyptus. Be sure to follow label instructions before applying repellant. Information from the CDC on mosquito repellants.

• The higher percentage of DEET in a repellant the longer the protection lasts.
• Choose a product containing the right amount of DEET to match the time spent outdoors: 25%DEET lasts up to five hours; 5% DEET lasts from 45 to 90 minutes.
• Use products containing 30 percent DEET or less for children.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts suggest that it is acceptable to apply repellent with up to 30% DEET to infants over 2 months old. Do not use DEET on children under 2 months of age.

DRESS in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk or in areas where mosquitoes are active.

DUSK and DAWN are when mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active, so limit outdoor activity during these times or follow precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

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Last Modified: Mar 28, 2009 10:19 PM