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West Nile Virus Questions & Answers

How can I protect myself?

There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to avoid mosquito bites and reduce the places mosquito live and breed around your home. Take these steps:

 

 Avoid the Bite 

  • Make sure windows and doors are "bug tight." Repair or replace screens.

  • Stay indoors at dawn and dusk, if possible, when mosquitoes are the most active.

  • Wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, and a hat when going into mosquito-infested areas, such as wetlands or woods.

  • Use mosquito repellant when necessary. Read the label and carefully follow instructions. Take special care when using repellent on children.

 Don't Give Them a Home 

  • Empty anything that holds standing water—old tires, buckets, plastic covers, and toys.

  • Change water in your birdbaths, fountains, wading pools and animal troughs at least twice week.

  • Recycle unused containers that may collect water—bottles, cans, and buckets .

  • Make sure roof gutters drain properly: and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.

  • Fix leaky outdoor faucets and sprinklers.

What is an effective mosquito repellent?

The most effective mosquito repellents contain the active ingredient of DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD—the synthesized version of oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These active ingredients typically offer long-lasting protection against mosquito bites. Repellents come in lotions, creams, gels, sprays, and towelettes.  

 

Mosquito repellents must be used properly. Read and follow instructions on the label. Do not over use repellents.

 

Learn more on the safe use of mosquito repellent from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  

   

What is West Nile virus?

 

How is it spread?

 

Who is at risk?

 

What are the symptoms?

 

How can I protect myself?

 

What is an effective mosquito repellent?

 

How do I report a dead bird?

 

What is being done in Washington?

 

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Last Update : 07/02/2008 09:59 AM
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