West Nile Virus has been detected in the Mercer County mosquito population. Mercer County Health Department wants to remind residents to avoid mosquito bites.
Reduce your risk of contracting West Nile virus by taking the following precautions:
- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active. Peak biting periods for the type of mosquitoes capable of transmitting WNV occur just before and after sunset and just before dawn.
- Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears of other openings.
- When practical, wear long-sleeved tops, long pants, socks and shoes, and clothing made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Light colored clothing is best.
- Eliminate stagnant water in bird baths, ponds, flower pots/trays/saucers, and get rid of old tires, buckets or other receptacles that could serve to contain water where mosquitoes might breed.
- Wear mosquito repellent that contains DEET (10-30%), picaridin, or lemon oil of eucalyptus. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.