What can be done to prevent West Nile virus?
››It is important to protect yourself from mosquitoes: Between dusk and dawn: • Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside. • Apply mosquito spray to exposed skin and clothing when outside. • Adults use DEET at 30-35% concentration. • Children (between 2 months and 12 years) use 10% or less DEET concentration. • Do not use DEET on children under 2 months old. • Make sure screen doors and window screens are in good condition. • Eliminate standing water sources around housing areas (i.e., water in old tires, cans, birdbaths, poorly kept swimming pools, etc.). • Keep weeds and tall grass cut short; adult mosquitoes look for these shady places to rest during the hot daylight hours. • Use mosquito netting or a screened tent when sleeping outdoors. Between dusk and dawn: • Spraying of pesticides. • Elimination or draining of places where mosquitoes live and breed. • Other use of pesticides to kill mosquitoes.
