Prevention

The mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus are most active between dusk and dawn.  Still people should avoid mosquito bites at any time.  Using precautions during the daytime is smart especially if you have outdoor activities planned such as golf, tennis, or other sports activities, gardening, walking, and jogging or horse back riding.  Use mosquito repellents or become familiar with the other options to avoid mosquitoes.

While there is no treatment for West Nile Virus, it is important to remember that infection is preventable. 

Prevention strategies include:

• Drain standing water around your house weekly since this is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. This should include tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles. If you have decorative ponds, either treat them with bleach or commercial larvacide products to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs or drain them.
• Limit outdoor activity between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes that carry WNV are most active.
• DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellents. Always follow the label instructions. Repellents with 10 percent DEET are approved for pediatric use.
• Golfers need to use repellent. They are at increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes, especially during early morning hours when there is dew in the grass and in water features around the course.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn or in areas where mosquitoes are active.
  

Symptoms of West Nile Virus