Children's Health-
At Home and Back-to-School

Don't stop enjoying outdoor activities, just learn some simple yet effective prevention measures to reduce the risks -- including precautions for children participating in before and after school activities. Check with your local school district for more information.

The West Nile virus is carried long distances by infected birds and then spread locally by mosquitoes that bite these birds. The mosquitoes can then pass the virus to humans when they bite.

• If possible, avoid mosquitoes by keeping kids indoors at dawn and dusk when the bugs are most active. Mosquitoes are not active during the heat of the day.
• Have kids wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors. Babies can be protected from mosquitoes by covering their carrier in mosquito netting or thin fabric.
• Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Use only 30% DEET or less on children, and make sure everyone washes their hands well so that they do not get anything in their eyes or mouth. Always follow directions carefully.

Mosquito Prevention Tips:

Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, which hatch in 7 to 10 days. If standing water is eliminated around the house or school weekly, many mosquitoes will be kept from breeding in the first place...and with fewer mosquitoes, everyone can have more fun outdoors!

• Remove standing water in ponds, ditches, clogged rain gutters, flower pots, plant saucers, puddles, buckets, garden equipment and cans.
• Check for items that might hold water including toys, pool covers, tarps, plastic sheeting, boats, canoes and trash.
• Drill drainage holes in tire swings.
• Change water in wading pools weekly.

NOTE: Even in areas where the virus is circulating, very few mosquitoes are infected with the virus. Even if a mosquito is infected, less than 1% of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. The chances anyone will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite are extremely small.