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Personal Protection

Preventing mosquito bites will prevent West Nile Virus Infection

Mosquitoes that carry WNV are most common in the late, warm summer months.  They are mainly active in the early morning hours and after nightfall.  Limit outdoor activity during these times of the day.

• When outdoors, apply insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). The more DEET the repellent contains the longer, not better, it will protect you. However, the use of products containing more than 33 percent DEET is not recommended.  Pay close attention to the product label, especially regarding the use for children.   There are many products on the market, but some provide little protection (see table below).
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants treated with repellents containing DEET or permethrin.  keep in mind mosquitoes can bit through thin clothing.  Do not apply permetrhin directly on your skin.
• Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, which are the periods when mosquitoes are most active.
• When outdoors, place netting over infant carriers.
• Make sure that screens on doors and windows are tight and without holes.

For additional information, please refer to the links listed to the left.