10 Ways to Prevent West Nile
by Dr. Mike Muzzarelli
Keep these tips in mind to help prevent West Nile.
1. Always wear insect repellant with DEET: a pale-yellow oil that repels mosquitoes, but does not kill them.
2. Wear closed toe shoes, long pants and long sleeves when possible. If you are outdoors for long periods of time, spray the outside of your clothing with insect repellant to prevent mosquitoes from biting through thin materials.
3. Keep your yard free of standing water. According to MosquitoWorld.com, mosquitos can breed in as little as one inch of standing water, which means there are many places around a home that might attract them. At least once week, change the water in your birdbaths, animal water bowls and flowerpots and repair all outdoor leaking faucets.
4. Be extra careful at dusk and dawn – those are peak mosquito biting times. For your morning jog or late night barbecue, take extra precaution by selecting clothing that will properly cover your arms, legs and feet.
5. During the summer months, steer clear of stagnant water, including creeks and lakes.
6. Make sure to fix any broken screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
7. Protect your newborn from bites, place mosquito nets over infant carriers.
8. Report dead birds to local authorities. According to the Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention, more than 130 species of birds have been infected with the West Nile Virus. Local agencies have different policies for collecting and testing birds, so be sure to find information specific to your area.
9. Organize clean up days for your neighborhood to ensure there are no mosquito breeding areas in your local parks.
10. People over 50-years-old are at the highest risk and need to take extra precautions, especially during dusk and dawn. If you or someone you know shows sign of West Nile such as fever, headache or fatigue, contact your personal physician immediately.
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