Prevention

In addition to state and local government efforts to eliminate mosquitoes and track the virus' movement, homeowners should try to get rid of standing water sources that encourage mosquito breeding. Reporting suspicious groups of dead birds to the health department is another important step in controlling the problem, since mosquitoes pick up the virus from feeding on infected birds. For individuals concerned about West Nile risks when going outdoors, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following safety tips: Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors. Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 35% DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product. Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites.