West Nile Virus is a disease carried by mosquitoes that can infect people through a mosquito bite. West Nile Virus can cause mild illness with flu-like symptoms or severe illness that affects the central nervous system. While most people do not experience symptoms, people over the age of 50, people with chronic medical conditions, and people with a weakened immune system are far more likely to develop serious infections.
Protecting yourself from mosquito bites is the most simple and effective way to protect yourself from West Nile Virus. Follow these recommendations to remain safe:
- Use an EPA approved bug repellent. Registered EPA repellents must have sufficient safety and effectiveness data that is evaluated by the EPA before they are allowed on the market. Other products that are not registered by the EPA do not have safety or effectiveness data available. The EPA website offers a comprehensive list of all of the approved repellents, including a search tool that allows you to find the right repellent for you.
- Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, buckets, plastic covers, toys, and any other container where mosquitoes can breed. Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.
- Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. You can identify when dusk is every day to know when it is time to go inside, a good rule of thumb is that dusk is approximately 20-30 minutes after sunset and dawn is approximately 20-30 minutes before sunrise.
- Wear long sleeve clothes whenever possible to reduce exposed skin and tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your clothing.
Never hesitate to contact the Board of Health with any questions regarding mosquitoes, mosquito borne diseases, and best practices to protect yourself from these illnesses.