FIGHT THE BITE! Avoid Mosquito Bites to Avoid Infection
PRESENTATION GOALS By following the steps outline in this presentation, you will be able to: avoid bites and illness avoid bites and illness clean out the mosquitoes from the places where you work and play clean out the mosquitoes from the places where you work and play help your community control the disease help your community control the disease
SOMETHING TO REMEMBER The chance that any one person is going to become ill from a mosquito bite remains low. Most people who are infected with the virus will not develop any symptoms at all. The risk of severe illness and death is highest for people over 50 years old.
Avoid Mosquito Bites Apply Insect Repellent Containing DEET Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours
Apply Insect Repellent Containing DEET Apply to exposed skin Use even when outdoors for a short time HELPFUL LINKS CDC: West Nile Virus - QA: Insect Repellent Use and Safety CDC: West Nile Virus - QA: Insect Repellent Use and Safety CDC: West Nile Virus - QA: Insect Repellent Use and Safety EPA: Pesticides - How to Use Insect Repellents Safely EPA: Pesticides - How to Use Insect Repellents Safely EPA: Pesticides - How to Use Insect Repellents Safely
Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites Wear long pants, long sleeves, and socks. Spray clothes with repellant containing permethin or DEET for extra protection Do not spray repellants containing permethin directly to skin. Do not spray repellants containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours Hours from dusk to dawn Take extra care to use repellant and protective clothing Consider avoiding outdoor activities
Mosquito Proof Your Home Drain Standing Water Install or Repair Screens
Drain Standing Water At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans. Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out. Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.
Install or Repair Screens Some mosquitoes will try to come indoors. Have well-fitting screens on both doors and window. Offer to help neighbors whose screens might be in bad shape.
Help Your Community Report Dead Birds to Local Authorities Mosquito Control Programs Clean Up Find Out More about Local Prevention Efforts
Report Dead Birds Dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area Over 130 species of birds are known to have been infected with West Nile virus, though not all infected birds will die. It's important to remember that birds die from many other causes besides West Nile virus CDC West Nile Virus and Birds Questions and Answers West Nile Virus and Birds Questions and AnswersWest Nile Virus and Birds Questions and Answers
Mosquito Control Programs Check with local health authorities to see if there is an organized mosquito control program in your area. If no program exists, work with your local government officials to establish a program. The American Mosquito Control Association can provide advice, and their book Organization for Mosquito Control is a useful reference. American Mosquito Control AssociationAmerican Mosquito Control Association
Clean Up! Mosquito breeding sites can be everywhere. Neighborhood clean up days can be organized by civic or youth organizations to pick up containers from vacant lots and parks, and to encourage people to keep their yards free of standing water. Mosquitoes don't care about fences, so it's important to control breeding sites anywhere in the neighborhood.
Find Out More! You local community may already have prevention efforts underway. CDC Links to State and Local Government West Nile Virus Web Sites Links to State and Local Government West Nile Virus Web SitesLinks to State and Local Government West Nile Virus Web Sites