West Nile Virus had been detected in the Mercer County mosquito population. Mercer County Health Department Director of Environmental Health, Kyle Lloyd, explains what they’ve found.
Lloyd reminds everyone to take the following precautions:
- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitos are most active, 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 or other openings
- When practical, wear long-sleeved tops, long pants, socks and shoes, and clothing made of tightly worn materials to keep mosquitos 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 mosquitos might breed
- Wear mosquito repellent that contains DEET (10-30%), picaridin, or lemon oil of eucalyptus. Consult a physician before using repellants on infants.