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The ONLY way to control the spread of the West Nile
virus in people today is by controlling the mosquitoes that carry the virus and
taking precautions to avoid being bitten. Despite the risk of getting the
West Nile virus through blood products, organs, and breast milk, these forms of
transmission seem to be rare, according to the CDC. Bites from mosquitoes
carrying the West Nile virus remain the most common means of transmission
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, which includes
puddles, stagnant ditches, and containers such as old tires, buckets, cans,
neglected swimming pools, etc. Storm sewers, culverts, and catch-basins, etc.
provide an outdoor resting place for adult Culex pipiens mosquito (the common
house mosquito) which is most commonly associated with West Nile virus. This
mosquito often enters homes through unscreened windows or doors, or broken
screens.
Follow the following tips to decrease your chances of
acquiring
the West Nile virus:
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Make sure that doors and windows have
tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all torn screens in your home.
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Remove all discarded tires from your property.
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Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar water-holding
containers.
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Make sure roof gutters drain properly. Clean clogged gutters in the spring and
fall.
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Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. If not in use,
keep empty and covered.
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Drain water from pool covers.
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Change the water in bird baths at least once a week.
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Turn over plastic wading pools, and wheelbarrows, etc. when not in use.
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Clean ditches of obstructions so they drain properly.
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Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
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Check trees for cavities that hold water and fill them with soil, gravel, or
sand.
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Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding
sites on their properties.
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