July 12, 2024

In the summer and fall months, mosquitos bite day and night, leading to itchy sores and possibly spreading disease. West Nile virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Rarely, some cases may result in serious, and sometimes fatal, infection of the nervous system. There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent or treat West Nile virus.

The good news is that only about one in five people who are infected with West Nile virus develop symptoms – and only about one in 150 infected people develop a serious (and sometimes fatal) illness. But it’s still best to avoid West Nile virus – and those itchy mosquito bites – by taking some simple preventative steps.

Protect yourself from bites

• Remember that mosquitos are most active at dawn and dusk. Consider taking extra precautions during those times.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellants with DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone. Be sure to follow label instructions, using special care with young children. Do not apply repellant under clothing. If you are wearing sunscreen, apply insect repellant second.
• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirts and pants. Use mosquito netting on baby strollers. Wear clothing treated with permethrin. (Do not use permethrin directly on skin.)

Control mosquitos

• Use screens on windows and doors. Repair any holes in screens.
• Empty any areas where water collects every few days. Mosquitos can breed in small amounts of stagnant water, such as pet bowls, clogged gutters, old tires, toys and the trays under potted plants. Areas like small ponds may also be treated with “mosquito dunks” that contain BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis), a biological or a naturally occurring bacterium found in soils, which prevents mosquitos from successfully breeding.