That is when mosquitoes that carry the virus are
most active, so protect yourself and your family and prevent mosquito
bites.
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Use mosquito repellents that contain DEET* when outdoors
from dusk to dawn. (Follow the label instructions carefully.) For
adults, use repellents containing up to 35% DEET. (Concentrations
higher than 50% do not provide additional protection.) For children
2 months–12 years, use repellents containing up to 10% DEET.
Do not put DEET on children’s hands or feet. For children under
the age of 2 months, do not use DEET.
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Even sitting on your porch in the evening or taking
a morning walk around the block.
* DEET is short for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide
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For extra protection, wear long-sleeved shirts and
long pants while outdoors. Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors
or in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies any time
they are outdoors.
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Control mosquitoes – Get rid of all standing
water.
- Turn over or remove containers in your yard
where water collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets,
toys, etc.
- Clean out birdbaths and wading pools at least
once a week.
- Remove standing water on tarps or flat roofs.
- Clean clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Clean and stock garden ponds with mosquito-eating
fish or mosquito dunks.
- Recycle old bottles, buckets, and cans.
- Repair leaky faucets and sprinklers.
- Keep swimming pools clean or drain them.
- Make sure screen doors and window screens
are in good condition.
- Keep weeds and tall grass cut short; adult
mosquitoes look for these shady places to rest during the hot daylight
hours.
- Keep window screens on campers, tents, and
boats "bug-tight".
- Keep campsites neat. Get rid of mosquito breeding
sites. (Electric "bug zappers" do not help since they usually
attract more mosquitoes than they kill.)
If you can’t get rid of the water (for example,
ornamental ponds, stock tanks, etc.):
- Use “mosquito dunks”. These are small
round disks of Bacillus thurengensis that prevent mosquito larvae
from hatching. They are available in many garden stores and supply
catalogs.
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DEET is the most effective insect repellent available.
The more DEET an insect repellent contains, the longer it will protect
you. A higher percentage of DEET does not mean it will protect you
better, just that it will last longer. For example, a product containing
approximately 10% DEET will last about 2 hours, and 24% DEET will
last about 5 hours. However, DEET concentrations higher than 50% do
not increase the length of protection.
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Yes, products containing DEET are safe when used according
to the directions. Always follow these steps:
- Use enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing.
Don't apply repellent to skin that is under clothing. Heavy application
is not necessary for protection.
- Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or
irritated skin.
- After returning indoors, wash treated skin with
soap and water.
- Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed
areas.
- Do not apply aerosol or pump products directly to
your face.
- Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over
the face, avoiding eyes and mouth.
See http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/DEETgen.pdf
for more scientific information.
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Women who are pregnant or nursing can use DEET. Be
sure to follow the directions carefully.
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There is no vaccine for West Nile virus at this time
for humans, however there is a vaccine for horses.
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|
Katie Mullaly
Public Information Officer
Summit County Health Department
650 Round Valley Drive
Park City, Utah
Phone: 435-333-1503
Fax: 435-333-1580
kmullaly@utah.gov
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Carolyn Rose
Nursing Director
Summit County Health Department
650 Round Valley Drive
Park City, Utah
Phone: 435-333-1504
Fax: 435-333-1580
carose@utah.gov |
