How can people protect themselves from WNV?
Since there is no approved vaccine, the best way to protect yourself from WNV is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. 1. Avoid outdoor activity during periods of heavy mosquito activity, normally in the early morning and late afternoon/evening hours. 2. Use an effective repellent such as DEET to protect exposed skin areas when working or playing outdoors. 3. Eliminate standing pools of water and empty containers that hold water around the home. Mosquitoes breed in water. 4. Approved, general use insecticides can be applied around the perimeter of the house and the home to eliminate resting areas for mosquitoes. 5. Small, portable foggers are available to homeowners for a reasonable price. They can be used to kill live mosquitoes around the home premises, but they provide no residual control. 6. Wear long sleeves and pants when working outdoors to discourage mosquito bites.
