The recent rains and the warm weather has led to an early mosquito season in some parts of the county. We have started spraying for mosquitoes and we are continuing to treat standing water to prevent mosquito eggs from reaching adulthood.
Now is the time to take precautions to protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus (WNV).
The best way to fight mosquitoes is to eliminate breeding sites before the population gets out of control.
Empty bird baths, kid's pools, buckets, and other containers of standing water at least once per week.
Keep gutters and downspouts cleaned out.
Properly dispose of old tires and other trash that holds water.
Drain low lying areas if possible and keep ditches and tiles cleaned out.
To avoid possible infection from mosquito bites:
Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
If you must be outdoors, be sure to wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, shoes and socks. Light colors are least attractive to mosquitoes.
Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil and follow the label directions; generally a concentration of 30 percent DEET for adults and 10 percent or less for children.
Other mosquito-transmitted diseases in Ohio include Eastern Equine encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis. People who have symptoms – including high fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting and loss of appetite- two to 15 days after a mosquito bite should see their doctor and tell him or her about the mosquito bite.
For more information, contact the Licking County Health Department at (740) 349-6535 or visit www.lickingcohealth.org.
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