Oakland County Health Division (OCHD), under the leadership of L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive, urges residents to help keep mosquito populations low this season to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus (WNV) and other mosquito-borne diseases by taking preventive measures as part of their spring clean-up.
Mosquito eggs can develop into adult mosquitoes in ten days or less. Residents can reduce the mosquito population and the risk of WNV through these prevention measures:
- Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home. Empty standing water from: flower pots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, old tires, buckets, barrels, cans, and similar items where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
- Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or other EPA approved ingredient to exposed skin or clothing, always following the manufacturer’s directions for use.
- Avoid shaded and wooded areas where mosquitoes may be present.
- Wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors.
- Limit outdoor activity between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Maintain window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Report a sick or dead bird, or mammal, at the State of Michigan Emerging Disease Issues webpage, www.michigan.gov/
emergingdiseases. Select West Nile Virus, then How to - Report a Dead Bird or Mammal.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito that is infected with WNV after biting a bird that carries the virus. Most people infected with WNV have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache and body aches. However, in some individuals, mostly the elderly, a much more serious disease affecting the brain tissue can develop.
For more information, visit the Oakland County Health Division website at www.oakgov.com/health. You can also get up-to-date public health information at www.facebook.com/
About Jen Bucciarelli