How to Avoid the West Nile Virus

The West Nile virus has been making the news a lot lately and many people are concerned. The disease is carried by mosquitoes who pick it up from biting infected birds and then pass it on to humans. While less than 1% of humans bitten will actually suffer serious infections, it is still a good idea to avoid it.

The West Nile virus can also be transmitted through blood and it is now mandatory in the US for all blood donations be screened for the virus. It may be passed through breast milk or childbirth, as well, although the link is not proven.

Basically, anyone bitten by a mosquito is at risk, with adult males being the most likely to be bitten. However, there are ways to help prevent being bitten in the first place. These are common sense techniques which have been used throughout the decades to keep mosquitoes in general at bay.

Empty any standing water. Old cans, tires and even empty plant pots are receptacles for rain water and this is where mosquitoes love to breed. Take away their breeding areas and you will lower the threat of getting bitten by a West Nile mosquito.

Talk to your local health center. Not only will they have the latest news on where the virus outbreaks are occurring, they will have ideas and tips for preventing it, as well. You can get updates regularly from the health center so you know when the peak seasons are.

Insect repellant is still good against mosquitoes as well as other biting insects. You do need to be careful what you put on small children, however, since they are more likely to put their hands in their mouths or touch their bodies and then put their fingers in their mouth.

Long sleeves and long pants are another good way to avoid many bites. Also, mosquitoes are attracted to light colors, so if you wear darker colors, you will tend to get fewer bites. It is also a good idea to avoid perfumes when there are a lot of mosquitoes around, as this can also attract them.

Citronella candles can be burned to help create a mosquito-clear area. However, this is a very short term solution and is usually best for small rooms or a party. These candles are also very handy at night, when more mosquitoes tend to come out.

Avoiding the West Nile virus is more about avoiding mosquitoes than preventing a disease. By removing breeding grounds and keeping mosquitoes away from you with repellents, you all but eliminate the risk of catching this disease.