Preventing West Nile Virus

Fight the Bite!

Avoiding mosquito bites is the best way to avoid infection.

When dealing with West Nile virus, prevention is the best strategy. Avoiding mosquito bites reduces the risk of getting West Nile Virus as well as other mosquito-borne illnesses.

The best way to avoid mosquito bites is to reduce the mosquito population around your home and neighborhood by eliminating the standing water in which mosquitoes breed. Once adult mosquitoes emerge, chemical controls provide only temporary relief. You should also use a mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors.

How can I protect myself and my family?

o Use mosquito repellents that contain DEET when outdoors.
o Stay indoors at dawn and early evening.
o Wear long, loose, and light colored clothing when outdoors.

What can I do around my house?

o Eliminate standing water around your home.

• Clean your gutters.
• Dispose of or recycle old tires.
• Keep water from puddling.
• Fix oudoor leaking faucets.
• Clean bird baths weekly.
• Add fish or a reciruclation pump to ponds.
• Store or dispose of buckets, watering cans, or other containers.

o Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with a larvicide that can be purchased at your local garden or hardware store.

o Install, repair, or replace screens on both windows and doors.

How can I help my community?

o Organize a neighborhood clean-up.
o Report dead birds to the Health Department.

 

What is Fairfax County doing to prevent West Nile virus?

o Intensive mosquito and avian surveillance.
o Proactive Mosquito Control.
o Public Education and Outreach
o Participating in inter-agency and multi-jurisdictional efforts to more effectively control West Nile Virus and manage mosquitoes in the Count