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Preventing West Nile Exposure

Human little from West Nile is rare, even in areas where the virus has been reported. The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a mosquito bite is low.

For adults, insect repellent with DEET may be applied to exposed skin when you go outdoors. Many sources indicate that insect repellent with DEET is not safe to use on children. There are many ways to decrease children and adult exposure to mosquitoes:

1. Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. When possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors.
2. Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dawn to dusk are peak mosquito biting times. Consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times – or take extra care to wear protective clothing during evening and early morning.
3. Mosquito proof your home. Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water. Install or repair screens. Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside be having well-fitted screens on both windows and doors.
4. Help your community, clean up. Mosquito breeding sites can be everywhere. Neighborhood clean up days can be organized by civic or youth organizations to pick up containers from vacant lots, parks and encourage people to keep their yards free of standing water. Mosquitoes don’t care about fences, so breeding sites anywhere in the neighborhood are important.