Community Corner
Steps You Can Take Against West Nile Virus
Clear your property of mosquito-breeding areas and then take other commonsense precautions.
The best way to avoid West Nile virus — or any other mosquito-borne illness — is to avoid mosquitoes, according to the Kane County Health Department, which offers some practical ways to reduce mosquito numbers near you and to ward off their bite.
Change water in birdbaths weekly.
Properly maintain wading pools.
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Stock ornamental ponds with fish.
Cover rain barrels with 16-mesh wire screen.
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In communities with organized mosquito control programs, contact your municipal government to report areas of stagnant water in roadside ditches, flooded yards and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes.
To avoid mosquito bites:
Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.
When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt, and apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
Make sure tight-fitting screens are on your doors and windows. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings.
Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.
Related:
Friday, July 26, 2013: West Nile virus Threat Grows in Kane County
Friday, July 26, 2013: What Is West Nile Virus?
July 16, 2013: State Reports West Nile Activity in Kane County
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