West Nile Virus Preventive Measures

Preventive Measures

Bird Bath It is obvious to all that mosquitoes are annoying; but now many people are concerned about the health risks associated with mosquito bites? Consider the following precautionary measures to significantly reduce your chances of being bitten by any mosquito including one that is potentially infected.

Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants if possible when you are outdoors.
When you are taking an infant or young child outside use mosquito netting over the infant carrier or carriage.
Make sure to repair broken screen doors or windows to keep your residence mosquito-free.
Drain sources of standing water in places like buckets, barrels, tires, bird baths and such to reduce the amount of mosquitoes that breed around your home.
Peak times for mosquitoes are at dawn, dusk and in the early evening. Stay indoors during these times if you are in a mosquito infested area.

Using mosquito nets and repellents containing DEET are a few ways to protect ourselves from contracting West Nile Virus.

Mosquito Repellents - A mosquito repellent containing DEET can be applied to the skin to protect from mosquito bites but must be re-applied for longer periods of protection. The more DEET a repellent contains the longer time it can protect you from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent does not mean that your protection is better-just that it will last longer. Products containing about 24% DEET are effective for an average of 5 hours against mosquitoes, after that it should be re applied for the extra time you plan to be outdoors.

Facts about DEET

DEET should never be applied to the face; mosquito netting worn over the face can best protect you.
It should never be applied to sunburned or irritated skin and should be washed off after returning indoors.
Never apply it to pets; they can get seriously ill if they ingest it by licking or cleaning themselves.
Clothing should also be sprayed because mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing.
DEET should never be used on children under six months of age.
A repellent containing ten percent DEET should be used on a young child.

Mosquito Netting
Millions of people around the world are infected with mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, malaria, yellow fever and various forms of encephalitis each year according to the World Health Organization. There are many different types of mosquito netting including head and bed nets that can protect you and your family from the mosquitoes and other nasty insects in your area or while travelling abroad. They come in a variety of mesh sizes and can be bought already treated with an insecticide for extra protection.

You can also get your community involved and develop an effective mosquito control plan.