How To Protect Against The West Nile Virus

INTRODUCTION

The West Nile Virus is spreading to areas of the United States it has never appeared in beofre, and this article on how to protect against the West Nile Virus will help you take steps to do just that, protect yourself.  You do not have to stop enjoying the great outdoors to avoid the WNV, you simply have to take some precautions to help guard against getting bit by mosquitoes.  The virus is spreading, for the first time it has been discovered in parts of Maine, a heavily wooded state.  Now is the time to take steps to protect yourself from future complications from this virus.

The fact is that most people infected by West Nile Virus will recover on their own.  And it is important to know that if you do get bit, and illness does occur, symptoms will usually appear within 3 days to two weeks after being bit by an infected mosquitoe.

Symptoms of severe illness may include: the following; headache, high fever, a stiff neck, confusion, coma, tremors, convulsions, and muscle weakness or even  paralysis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all cases of West Nile Viruses found in the United States this year are from Texas.

THINGS YOU WILL NEED

insect repellent that contains deet

long sleeve tops

long legged pants

a het

STEP 1

Do a careful search of your own property, and remove any old tires, plastic jugs, or other containers where standing water can accumulate.  Standing water is often the breeding ground for mosquitoes.

STEP 2

If you have clogged gutters, clean them out.  A clogged gutter can hold standing water left over from rain storms.

STEP 3

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and if you have any of those small children’s pools, keep them turned over upside down to prevent standing water.

STEP 4

Now clean any outside pet dishes you may have and replace the water in the bird bath.  Be sure to clean pet dishes and bird baths often.

STEP 5

Now inspect all of your window and door screens for holes.  It is important to repaid or replace old worn out screens, Mosquitoes do not need much of an opening to get inside your house.

STEP 6

Pick up a good insect repellent that contains deet.  Maine is a heavily wooded state, and for years outdoor woodsmen have been using Ben’s insect repellent to keep mosquitoes at bay and for good reason, it works.

BEN’S INSECT REPELLENT

STEP 7

When you venture outside were long sleeve tops and long legged pants.  This will reduce the area of exposed skin and give mosquitoes less of a target.

STEP 8

Wear a hat when going outdoors as well.  Spray the outter edges of the hat with insect repellent, it will help protect your head and neck area.

STEP 9

Avoid dense woods or wetland areas where there is a natural source of standing waster.

HELPFUL TIPS

Use an insect repellent that contains deet

avoid dense woods and wetland areas

WARNINGS

West Nile Virus can be dangerous, even deadly, take measures to help protect you and your loved ones.