Mosquito season is here and with it comes possible
exposure to West Nile Virus. The best
way to protect yourself, your family and your community from mosquito bites and
the potential of contracting West Nile Virus is to follow the four Ds: Drain, Dusk/Dawn, Dress, DEET.
·
DRAIN: Even the smallest containers like coffee and soda cans
can be enough water for mosquitoes to lay eggs so everyone should thoroughly
inspect all areas around their home and work for standing water and drain or
empty all standing water.
·
DUSK/DAWN: Take extra care to use repellent and protective
clothing during evening and early morning (dusk and dawn) or consider avoiding
outdoor activities during these times when mosquitoes are most active.
·
DRESS: Dress in long sleeves and pants during dusk and dawn
or in areas where mosquitoes are active. Wearing light-colored clothing may
also help prevent being bitten.
·
DEET, Picariden or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: Wear insect
repellant containing either DEET, Picariden or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
o
Follow label instructions.
o Apply repellants to exposed skin and/or
clothing.
o Never use repellants over cuts, wounds or
irritated skin.
o If using DEET, choose the concentration
that best fits the amount of time spent outside.
§ 25 percent DEET lasts up to 5 hours,
§ 5 percent lasts 45-90 minutes.
§ Use a concentration of 30 percent or less
for children.
o DEET should not be used on children less
than 6 months of age. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children
less than 3 years of age.
In 2015, as reported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment, a total of 101 cases of human West Nile Virus (WNV) infection were
identified across the state of Colorado.
For more
information about West Nile Virus, please visit the JCPH website or the Colorado Fight the Bite website.
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