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"Every case of human infection from West Nile is a reminder that we can take precautions to help reduce the risk of illness," Dr. Johnson said. "The chance of contracting West Nile virus from an infected mosquito is small, and your chances of becoming seriously ill are even smaller. However, it is important to remember that everyone - particularly older adults and people with compromised immune systems - should take simple steps to reduce their risk."
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Johnson recommended these simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly for those most at risk:
-- Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of your home;
-- When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, the times of day when the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active, during the warmer months of the year (usually April through October);
-- Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes;
-- Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. Effective repellents contain DEET. Consult a doctor if you have concerns about the use of repellent on young children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months. Two other insect repellants, Picaridin (KBR 3023) and oil of lemon eucalyptus, a plant based repellent, were tested against mosquitoes and provided protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET.
Pennsylvanians also can reduce the risk of West Nile virus by eliminating the places where mosquitoes breed. Mosquitoes can breed in standing water that is present for four or more days.
"We encourage the public to do its part to help control the population of mosquitoes that could carry the West Nile virus," said DEP Acting Secretary Joseph Powers. "To protect yourself and your family, eliminate any standing water on your property where mosquitoes can breed. Remember: dump it, drain it, treat it."
Powers suggested some simple steps that can be taken around the house:
-- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires, or any object on your property that could collect standing water.
-- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.
-- Have roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains.
-- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
-- Don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
-- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
-- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove standing water from pool covers.
-- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
-- Standing water that cannot be eliminated should be treated with Bti products, which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement, and other stores. Bti is a naturally occurring bacterium that kills mosquito larvae but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
West Nile virus is spread to people and animals by infected mosquitoes. Usually, the infection does not result in any illness. Older adults and persons with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk of becoming ill after a West Nile infection.
The disease can take two forms. The milder form is known as West Nile fever. In addition to fever, people with this form of the disease may also experience he
