Mosquito Borne Illness
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
from Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Did you
know a mosquito bite can make you sick? Diseases
that people can get from mosquitoes
in Ohio include West Nile virus, St.
Louis
encephalitis, La Crosse
encephalitis, and Eastern equine encephalitis.
If a mosquito bites an infected bird or mammal, it can then
transmit
these viruses to humans. These viruses
can make some people very sick with encephalitis ? causing swelling of
the
brain and nervous system.
Most people infected with mosquito-borne viruses show no
symptoms. Some people infected with
mosquito-borne viruses have a mild fever, headache, and muscle aches
that will
last up to a week. A small number of
infected people will develop severe illness requiring hospitalization. These people may have body aches, fever,
confusion, weakness, stiff neck, tremors, convulsions, and may die. People over the age of 50, children under the
age of 16, and people with existing health problems who become infected
with
mosquito-borne diseases are at increased risk for severe illness.
In Ohio,
cases of mosquito-borne illnesses usually occur from May to October. With some simple steps, you can protect
yourself and your loved ones when outside.
To avoid possible
infection from mosquito bites:
- Clothing will help protect you from mosquito bites. When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, long
pants, socks and shoes. Light colors are
least attractive to mosquitoes.
- Repel
mosquitoes when going outdoors during mosquito season by using
repellents that contain an EPA registered active ingredient such as
DEET or picaridin. Follow the directions
on the label. On children, use
products that have no more than 10 percent DEET.
- Be aware of peak mosquito hours.
Mosquitoes are most active and biting during the early morning
and late evening hours. If outdoors at
dawn or dusk, take extra care to use repellent and wear protective
clothing.
- Keep
window and door screens closed and in good repair to keep mosquitoes
out of your house.
- Mosquitoes rest in tall
weeds. Keep weeds cut short and help deter
mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes can grow in containers that hold water for more
than a week such as pop cans, buckets, bottles, and discarded tires.
To eliminate
mosquito breeding sites near your home:
- Containers that fill with water should be emptied at
least once a week.
- Change the water in
birdbaths every week.
- Keep rain gutters clean.
- Fix outdoor leaking faucets.
- Clean ditches so water can flow.
- Fill holes that hold water with gravel or dirt.
