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The
Buzz-z-z-z on West Nile Virus
You
may have heard people talking or seen news reports about West Nile,
a virus that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. In areas
where the West Nile Virus has been found, very few mosquitoes have
it. It's true that the virus can cause an infection in the brain,
but the chances that you will get very sick from any one mosquito
bite are re-e-e-ally low. But, you still want to protect yourself
and pitch in to help cut down on the number of mosquitoes.
So
What Should You Do?
Repel
You've gotta get out and get active! Just remember, when you go
outside, apply some mosquito repellent to your skin. Repellents
that contain DEET are the most effective, but make sure you rub
them on according to the directions. A good rule of thumb from the
experts is that kids should use mosquito repellents with less than
10% DEET. Get your parents to help you put it on your face so you
don't get it in your mouth or eyes. And wash your hands after you
apply it.
To
be on the safe side about using repellents, you and your parents
should check out the latest from CDC on the West Nile Virus and
the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for more information.
Raise
your protective barrier
Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to hide your
skin from the mosquitoes. Top it off with a hat. You can even spray
your clothes with a mosquito repellent to keep them away. Ask your
parents to help you spray all those hard-to-reach spots.
Check
out your environment
While some mosquitoes lay their eggs in ponds and swamps, other
mosquitoes like to leave their eggs in standing water, like water
left in buckets and wading pools. Think about it...the fewer places
mosquitoes can lay their eggs, the fewer mosquitoes there are! Help
cut down the number of mosquitoes by checking around your home,
yard, deck, or neighborhood for standing water. Empty flowerpot
saucers and turn over buckets. If you have a birdbath, clean it
at least once a week.
Play
it safe
Many types of mosquitoes are "night flyers," so you may
be more likely to get bitten around sundown...or around sun-up,
if you're an early riser! So you don't get bitten at these times,
either head indoors around sundown, or be extra sure to cover up
and use repellent.
Source:
CDC
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