In an effort to control the spread of West Nile Virus (WNV) through public awareness, health authorities have released tips on how to avoid contracting the disease which is transmitted by mosquitoes.

This recent move by the Department of Public Health is part of a season-long effort to maintain and monitor the mosquito population at the same time to protect the public against the debilitating disease the virus causes as summer sets to begin.

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Culex pipiens, the primary vector of West Nile Virus, should be the main target in the prevention programs according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

Water impoundments following flooding initially generate large numbers of floodwater mosquitoes that are rarely infected with West Nile Virus. But when the same water impoundments concentrate during hot summer days, large numbers of Culex mosquitoes may be produced.

According to Morris Herald-News, the IDPH recommends the three Rs to refrain contracting any of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes: Reduce, Repel and Report.

The first R stands for Reducing exposure by refraining from outdoor activities during the times when mosquitoes are most active which usually between dusk and dawn. People should also make sure windows and doors have tight-fitting screens, or if the screens have tears, they should be replaced or repaired. Standing water such as those in old tires, flowerpots and wading pools should be eliminated. Water in bird baths should also be replaced regularly every week.

The second R stands for Repelling mosquitoes. Repelling is done by wearing socks, shoes, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when staying outdoors. The use of insect repellent containing picardin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535 is also recommended by the IDPH. It is however highly instructed to consult a physician before applying repellents to infants.

Lastly, the IDPH advices residents to Report areas with stagnant water such as flooded yards, roadside ditches and the likes to those assigned for mosquito control.

Around 70 to 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus do not manifest symptoms. One in five individuals develop flu-like symptoms and less than one percent develop serious neurological disease, The Boston Globe has learned.

Aside from educating the public about the prevention of West Nile Virus exposure, mosquito control agencies send technicians different areas all over the state to treat catch basins and other potential breeding grounds with larvicide, San Jose Mercury News reported. Mosquito control groups also collect mosquitoes and test them for WNV. 

TagsWest Nile Virus, Disease, california drought