Jennifer Heller
Some mosquitos tested by the Indiana State Department of Health from Brown County have tested positive for West Nile Virus. According to Jennifer Heller, Environmental Specialist at the Brown County Health Department, here are steps to prevent a mosquito bite.
- Use Mosquito repellent on any bare skin (not on clothing).
- DEET based repellents are the most effective and can be used on children as young as 2 months.
- Don’t use repellent on Children’s hands,eyes or mouth.
- Use repellent sparingly and re-apply if needed.
- Wash the skin when you come indoors.
- Use a repellent approved by the EPA.
- Wear light colored loose clothing.
- Wear long sleeves and pants
You can also take important steps at your property to minimize the risk of mosquitoes.
- Dispose of any tires.
- Clear gutters
- Clean pet water regularly
- Change birdbath water weekly
- Empty any water in tarps or containers
Heller said that all mosquitos need water to breed. Eliminate the above mentioned areas and anywhere else water might pool.
West Nile virus can result in febrile illness (headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with febrile illness from West Nile recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. West Nile can also cause neurologic disease, including meningitis or encephalitis according to the CDC.
For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/index.html.
