Community Corner

West Nile Virus: Preventing Mosquito Bites

Muggy weather brings out more mosquitoes this week.

Mosquitoes are out in force as hot temperatures and muggy weather plague Northern Virginia this week. Pools of water from rainfall the past few days are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

One person in Maryland , in the state's first death from the virus reported this year. 

Virginia officials report four cases of West Nile Virus in the state, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, including one in Northern Virginia.

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West Nile Virus cases are up 40 percent nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Mosquitoes get the virus from feeding on infected birds and spread it to people they bite. Symptoms include fever, headache and body aches, and most people get better in a few days.

Find out what's happening in Fredericksburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

From Virginia Department of Health news materials:

By controlling the mosquito population and protecting against mosquito bites in the following ways:
1. Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing. 
2. If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting. 
3. Use insect repellant with the smallest percentage of DEET necessary for the length of time you are exposed to mosquitoes. Use according to the manufacturer’s directions and DEET should not be applied to infants under 2 months old.
4. Turn over or remove containers in your yard where water collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets and toys.  
5. Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs.
6. Clean out birdbaths and wading pools once a week.  
7. Clean roof gutters and downspout screens.


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