Home Prevention Tips:

Don't stop enjoying outdoor activities, just learn some simple yet effective prevention measures to reduce your risks.

Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, which hatch in 7 to 10 days. If standing water is eliminated weekly from places around your house and garden, many mosquitoes will be kept from breeding in the first place. Here are some things you can do:

• 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 wheelbarrows, toys, pool covers, tarps, plastic garden sheeting, boats, canoes and trash.
• Well-maintained swimming pools and whirlpools are not a hazard since the pool chemicals kill any larvae. The main concern is stagnant water, where mosquitoes can lay their eggs undisturbed.

There is no evidence that a person can get West Nile virus from handling live or dead infected birds. Persons should avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animal.

You can safely dispose of dead birds by picking them up with gloved hands or with a shovel, double bagging them in plastic bags, and disposing of them in the trash.

Personal Protection:

• Avoid mosquitoes by staying indoors at dawn and dusk when the bugs are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants while outdoors.
• Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Follow directions carefully.