The Virginia Department of Health advises citizens that the summer heat this week is a reminder that mosquito season is still here. VDH has received reports of West Nile Virus from multiple regions of the state for a combined total of 12 human cases in 2018.
These cases serve as a reminder that WNV is present throughout Virginia. The most effective way to avoid WNV and other mosquito-borne disease is to prevent mosquito bites.
Prevention strategies include the following
Use Insect Repellent: When used as directed, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following active ingredients:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
Cover up: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Keep mosquitoes outside: Use air conditioning, or window and door screens. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net.
Eliminate mosquito breeding habitats: Tip, toss, and cover items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers at least once a week.
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