Fight The Bite

Mosquito bites are not just itchy and irritating. They can also be the cause of West Nile Virus—an infectious disease transmitted to people through the bite of a mosquito that became infected by feeding on the blood of birds carrying the virus.

Just because kids spend the most time outside doesn’t mean they have the highest risk of catching West Nile Virus. People over the age of 50 run the highest risk of developing serious symptoms, which include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash or swollen lymph glands. The message, then, is that people of all ages need to protect themselves.

To ward off West Nile, you need to do all you can to avoid mosquito bites. Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control on how to avoid those pesky insects:

• Use mosquito repellent containing an EPA-approved active ingredient such as DEET or Picaridin when you’re outdoors. Sweating, perspiration or getting wet may mean that you need to re-apply repellent more frequently.
• Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn, so stay indoors if possible.
• Drain sources of standing water to reduce places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. This includes pet dishes, flower pots, birdbaths, buckets, swimming pool covers, and clogged rain gutters.
• Install or repair window and door screens to make sure they fit snugly on all windows and doors. Replace torn or punctured screens.
• Report dead birds to your local or state health department since mosquitoes get infected by feeding on infected birds.

While most mosquito bites will not result in West Nile Virus infection, it’s important to know how you can protect yourself against this serious, life-altering, and even fatal disease.

For more information on West Nile Virus check out this information from the Centers for Disease Control.